Connect with us

News

The effects of ageing on our bodies

Published

on

0230017_shutterstock566470942.jpg

By Brian Foley from Activate Fitness

Over the next couple of weeks we’re going to look at the effects of ageing on our bodies and what we can do to negate some of the impacts of father time.

.

The reasons for this are many;

No matter what age you are reading this article, you are, right now, at this very moment, getting older. Therefore ensuring our current lifestyle enables a long and fulfilled life right throughout our lives into our senior years is important. Ireland has one of the oldest populations in Europe. Activate runs an extremely successful older adult strength programme. Due to its efficacy and widespread acclaim amongst the medical community, this has become the subject of a piece of research taking place this summer at Activate.

This week we will look at arthritis and the current interventions that you can take to lessen the impact this can have on you as you age.

Arthritis isn’t a scary thing; it’s a normal part of ageing that happens to all of us like wrinkles.
The simple definition of arthritis is inflammation and stiffness of joints. However, there are many different forms with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid the most common types in Ireland.

Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint which makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the formation of bony spurs called osteophytes. Severe loss of cartilage can lead to bone rubbing on bone, altering the shape of the joint and forcing the bones out of their normal position.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling.
The outer covering (synovium) of the joint is the first place affected. This can then spread across the joint, leading to further swelling and a change in the joint's shape. This may cause the bone and cartilage to break down. The good news is; inflammation can be reduced, so too can joint stiffness. Not always, but oftentimes there are some lifestyle modifications that can help.

Yes, this can and typically does get worse with age but it also gets worse with inactivity.
And no, this is not a death sentence.

REDUCE SYMPTOMS

Here are some healthy lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis, inflammation, and joint pain:

1. Applying the basics of a healthy diet that is high in protein, fruits, and vegetables, and lower in processed foods and sugar.

2. Get seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. I’m more of a six to seven hour guy myself, but the main thing isn’t the time spent in bed it’s the quality of your sleep. Your body recovers from the rigors of life when you sleep, so more high-quality sleep will typically help with recovery and inflammation.

3. Limit alcohol intake. This one is tricky because there may be some research on a glass of red wine having some heart health and anti-inflammatory properties but alcohol undoubtedly affects your sleep and most importantly your body’s ability to get deep sleep. I admittedly need to look into the latest research on the benefits of red wine so if you enjoy a glass, don’t stop drinking it just yet, but you definitely don’t need a bottle a night!

4. Work on strength and range of motion around the joints and lifestyle factors. At Activate we run a specific programme for adults who want to focus on these factors specifically. We use progressive and intelligent means of training to load the muscles and bones to build new muscle so that we are stronger and more resilient to the stresses of life, and to build bone so that we can withstand things like trips and falls all the while, improving all our major health markers such as reduced body fat levels and improved cardiovascular strength.

If you’d like to talk to see if I can help with your specific situation please set up a consultation via www.activate.ie/free-intro/ or call 087 4030894.

Advertisement

News

Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

Published

on

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

Continue Reading

News

Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

Published

on

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport