Senior Citizen's Day: Tips for Natural Pain Relief

August 21st is National Senior Citizen’s Day! Celebrated annually, the day was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. It provides an opportunity to recognize the lives and achievements of the more mature members of our population, and to show our appreciation. Even though an AARP membership is available at 50, seniors are defined as those 65 and older.

According to a 2018 study, 52 million seniors live in the United States, which is 15% of the country’s population. However, the number of senior citizens in the United States is expected to double by 2060 with the arrival of more members of the Baby Boomer generation.

The seniors living in communities across the country have pioneered industries, served the country through military service, and reared the next generation. Through their careers and community activism, they have shaped our world today. However, many live with chronic pain and medical conditions, which affects their quality of life. Our hope at Incrediwear is to support of senior citizens by equipping them to live their lives to the fullest – as independently and pain free as possible.

If you are a senior citizen of America, we celebrate you! We hope you can keep the following tips in mind for the best quality of life and freedom from pain.

Chronic Pain & Common Ailments

Chronic pain can have a profound impact on the health and quality of life of aging Americans, and treatment can be financially burdensome. Gerontology experts confirm an increase in the risk of disease and disability with age, however, it can be possible to avoid poor health through preventative care.

The CDC suggests reducing risks for chronic disease by:

Practicing a healthy lifestyle (healthy eating and regular exercise)
Regular use of early detection and testing (cancer, diabetes, and cholesterol screenings)

Usually when an older person is diagnosed with a chronic condition, they face a loss of freedom and autonomy. This can be a demoralizing and difficult situation. They may not be able to move or perform daily tasks in the same way. With average life expectancy on the rise, many 65 and older are living to celebrate birthdays beyond the age of 80. Living with chronic pain can decrease quality of life during the golden years of life. By learning and being prepared, seniors can make adjustments to lifestyle that can allow them to age as healthy as possible.

Some of the most common health problems for seniors include:

Osteoarthritis (or osteoporosis)
Heart disease
Balance issues

Solutions & Lifestyle

1) Walking Daily

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 54 million adults over age 50 have low bone mass or osteoporosis and nearly all adults over age 80 have some form of osteoarthritis. Exercising regularly can help protect your bones and joints from the chronic pain. This form of exercise can be as simple as walking every day. Experts recommend a range of 7,000 to 10,000 steps each day, with at least 3,000 taken at a brisk pace. This can be done with the establishment of a 30 minutes a day walk at a convenient time of day.

So by taking a walk after dinner or early in the morning before the heat of the day, seniors can contribute to their overall health and decrease risks and symptoms of osteoarthritis. If you’re headed out for a walk, don’t forget your Knee Sleeve! In a study published in The Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine, results showed a significant decrease in pain for people who suffer from OA from the continued use of germanium-embedded knee sleeve (the technology that Incrediwear uses to make recovery and pain relief a reality).

“Have arthritis in both knees, these are the most comfortable knee sleeves I’ve ever used…Have my whole family using Incrediwear products, wife uses elbow sleeve & back brace. Love their products!” – Larry

2) Group Exercise Classes

For seniors who suffer from chronic back or joint pain, the exercise options can be limited. The low-impact activities include group exercise classes such as stationary bike cycling, swimming, and water aerobics. A stationary bike allows for cardiovascular exercise without the hard impact on the knees and back. Swimming and water aerobics lead to elevated heart rate and water resistance for muscle strength – all while having very low impact on the body.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults who are 65 and older. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are conditions that can lead to heart disease. By taking good care of the heart, the risks of seniors developing heart disease in their later years is decreased. With consistent exercise, seniors can continue to age in good health without causing undue stress to the back or other sensitive areas. If you’re looking for additional back support in between group exercise classes, give the Back Brace a try!

“Had a spinal implant operation for L4/L5 spinal fix. Using your back brace for support during recovery. Excellent results. Would not be near as mobile and energetic without it. I Highly recommend this product.” – Brain C.

3) Stretching & Dancing

Yoga, Zumba, and Pilates are active and mentally-engaging group exercises that address cardio, strength, and balance all at once. For those able to participate in these activities, the continual use of the lower body and core muscle group results in increased balance – ultimately reducing the risk of falls and the injuries that come from a fall.

According to the National Council on Aging, one in every four adults over 65 years of age falls each year, with many resulting in hospitalization or even fatalities. This accounts for 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments, including over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths. By continuing to develop muscles for balance, seniors can reduce risks and be confident in their ability to move independently.

For seniors who participate in an active exercise class, the Hip Brace may be the perfect fit for you!

“Years and years and years of SI joint pain. Thousands spent on chiropractors, orthopedic doctors, joint injections and physical therapy...Happened upon this brace...Almost immediate results. It feels great...It is like a miracle…My mental attitude is so much better...I still can't believe it.” – Lindsey S.

Celebrating Life

This year, on Senior Citizen’s Day:

Spend time with the senior citizens. Let them know they are celebrated and loved.
If you are a senior citizen, find time to pick up a new lifestyle habit to increase your long term health.
Share Incrediwear’s mission of living pain free with a loved one who is suffering from chronic pain.

#LiveIncredibly