3 Tips for Healthy Aging

Optimizing Musculoskeletal Health: Tips and Insights

What Is Musculoskeletal Health?

The musculoskeletal system is a broad term encompassing the things that help us move: our bones, muscles, joints, and the ligaments holding it all together. But with so many interconnected elements, a lot can go wrong. Poor musculoskeletal health leads to poor mobility and, often, pain, which is one of the leading reasons people seek medical care. By some estimates, one in five people suffer from pain, and the resulting loss of productivity costs the economy about $300 billion annually. Studies also show that patients with musculoskeletal pain are more likely to experience mood disruptions and trouble sleeping.

Sarcopenia and Musculoskeletal Health

Incidents of musculoskeletal pain increase with age, with as many as 60% of older adults reporting pain. Sarcopenia is one contributor. Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength that naturally occurs as we get older. It's a common condition that can affect anyone, but it's particularly prevalent in older adults. Starting around the age of 30, we start to lose between 3 to 8% of our muscle mass every year. Sarcopenia can be a vicious cycle: the pain restricts our movement, which then accelerates our muscle loss. It’s therefore important to identify the root cause of any pain and address it, instead of masking it and not moving at all.

3 Tips To Support Your Musculoskeletal Health

1 - Regular exercise

“Move it or lose it” is a good aphorism for sarcopenia: underuse is one of the primary causes of muscle loss. A well-rounded exercise program will address all aspects of the musculoskeletal system.

Flexibility and mobility activities, such as yoga and stretching, help protect ligaments and tendons. Yoga also often helps support a positive mental outlook,

Strength training is essential to help protect muscle mass. You’re never too old to start! One study found that adults between 83 and 94 years of age experienced muscle gains after starting a simple program with weights. Proper form will lead to the best results and protect against injury. If you’re not sure how to start, be sure to work with a certified trainer.

Cardio. It also helps with weight maintenance, which can promote joint health. Thirty minutes a day of moderate intensity is a good baseline. It’s important to choose an activity you enjoy, and one that won’t exacerbate any existing injuries or weaknesses.

2 - Meet your body’s nutritional needs A well-balanced diet supports muscle and bone health. Be sure to focus on:

• Quality protein. Protein is an essential building block for your muscles. A baseline of 1 to 1.3 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight is a good starting point, but high levels of activity, and even aging, can increase your protein requirements. Focus on lean sources of protein like fish or legumes, and avoid processed meats as much as possible. I am personally a fan of Paleovalley's pasture-raised meat sticks that come in beef, turkey, and pork options. Receive 15% off your order with code PVFRIEND15 using this affiliate link.

• Calcium and vitamin D. These work together for bone health. Chia seeds, almonds, tofu, and leafy greens are good sources of calcium. Vitamin D is found in eggs, fish, and fortified foods. The sun is a good source of vitamin D, but you may not be able to rely on it during the winter months. Many people find they have to supplement daily to get enough vitamin D, especially during the winter. Caution! I do not advise supplementing with calcium without proper guidance from a nutrition professional, as Calcium can cause more harm than good by accumulating in your arteries instead of bones when dosed incorrectly.

• Magnesium. This mineral helps regulate muscle contractions and can help control muscle cramps. Good sources of magnesium include many whole grains, fresh produce, and nuts.

• Omega-3 fatty acids. Supporting a healthy inflammatory response in the muscles, joints, and ligaments is a key part of supporting musculoskeletal health, and studies show that omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful. Good sources include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring.

3 - Lifestyle factors to support musculoskeletal health Inflammation and muscular tension are also impacted by stress. When you’re stressed, your muscles tense up in their own “fight or flight” mode. Too much stress can lead to ongoing muscle tension and pain. Relaxation techniques for the mind and body include yoga, meditation, and stretching. Deep breathing can also help - when you experience pain, pay attention to changes in your breath and focus on full exhales and inhales. In addition to helping with stress, a solid night of sleep helps your muscles regenerate. Pain management is another factor. The instinct is often to rest when you feel pain, but you’re often better off incorporating light movement, under medical supervision. If you stop moving, the resulting muscle loss and muscle tension can make things worse. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy programs can help you incorporate healing exercises and identify the root cause of any pain.

A well-rounded lifestyle program to support your musculoskeletal health will help you move better and enjoy your best life. Take the first step by scheduling a free 15-minute Discovery Call today.