When I hear the word aging, a little part of my soul bristles

It's National Physical Therapy month and this year The Canadian Physiotherapy Association is focusing on healthy aging.

I don't know about you, but when I hear the word, aging, a little part of my soul bristles. I think most of us associate aging with negativity. But perhaps we could start looking at it as a positive thing.

I am certainly better at many things, compared to a few years ago. I think aging is kind of like being a fine wine, we should be able to get better with age. We have more knowledge, more understanding, more wisdom, more opportunities, more independence.

So what if I was to tell you that age really is just a number.

There are many things that can affect our health, but we can also limit the negative effects. We can keep things in check by exercising, eating healthy, taking care of our mental health, and just generally keeping some good habits.

This does not mean you cannot eat chocolate cake, or have a lazy day on the sofa, it just means you can't do it every day.

By taking affirmative action with your healthcare, it can, and most likely will prevent the development of age related illness, such as diabetes, increased cholesterol, increased blood pressure and heart disease.

For women, Osteoporosis is a huge problem, and by exercising with resistance on a regular basis, twice a week, we can reduce our risk. We can also prevent heart issues.

Many people feel that osteoarthritis is just inevitable and that may be the case, however, there are many people out there in their 60s 70s and 80s, running, exercising, and simply living their best life.

So what does this mean? Does this mean we can stop osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Well, the answer to that is a little bit unclear, but what we do know is by keeping active, we are more likely to have less pain.

So the next time you feel that aging is a negative, remember that we're simply like a fine wine and getting better.

Nicola Robertson

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist