Stretching for Longevity: Why Flexibility Matters as You Age

The Benefits of Stretching as Self-Care How Stretching Improves Mobility as You Age More Stretching, Less Falling A Path Towards Relief Short-Term Steps = Long-Term Rewards

Life is full of sweet moments that we cherish, like summertime walks, cooking a family dinner, going dancing, or hiking your favorite trail. Stretching is an overlooked, yet crucial, way to ensure you have the ability and longevity to experience life’s important moments, big and small. Its accessibility means you can start prioritizing a stretching routine anytime, anywhere, and at any age.

The benefits of stretching are short- and long-term, setting you up for better mobility, healthy aging, pain management, and long-term well-being through all stages of life. Below is a deeper dive into the reasons stretching is your not-so-secret weapon to a long and fulfilled life, so you can enjoy a life with less pain and more longevity.

The Benefits of Stretching as Self-Care

Stretching is potentially the most affordable and accessible way to give your body the self-care it deserves. Research shows that stretching has notable, long-term benefits on health such as hormone regulation, stress management, and more serotonin. In addition, it’s important for physical health, as it lengthens your muscles, helps them recover from use, and improves bone density.

The self-care perks of stretching don’t stop there, however. Working stretching into your day-to-day doesn’t have to be a significant energy or time commitment. In fact, just a few minutes of stretching each day has payoffs, and you can even multitask while you stretch. Give your muscles a little love during the simple moments of your day-to-day, like:

As a way to wake up in the morning
While watching TV or the morning news
During the work day at your desk or between meetings
When you’re soaking up some sunshine outside

Stretching while doing work, chores, or other life tasks is easy, but so is stretching as part of your workout. Physical activities like yoga, tai chi, and pilates offer a great workout and a means to incorporate stretching into your routine. The more you find ways to stretch throughout your day, the better your body and mind will feel today and down the road.

How Stretching Improves Mobility as You Age

Stretching might not seem all that important when you’re young, agile, and recover quickly from injuries. However, there is a correlation between increased mobility and long-term longevity, especially for middle-aged individuals and older adults. Prioritizing your flexibility and mobility as you age with stretching prepares your body and mind for long-term well-being, so you can be the best and most mobile version of yourself.

Mobility impacts a number of components of your health, including:

Increased range of motion
Decreased likelihood of injury
Better posture
Better muscle function
Reduced stress

Moving more easily can be well within your reach, thanks to stretching. Regularly trying out different types of stretches sets you up for success down the line as your body ages.

More Stretching, Less Falling

Let’s face it: many of us sit most of the day while we work, watch TV, or drive. But the less we move and stretch our muscles on a regular basis, the more susceptible we are to injury.

You might be wondering: how does stretching prevent injury and fall risk? As you age, your joints lose flexibility, which can make daily activities like walking, standing, sitting, and stepping even harder. Incorporating daily stretches into your routine goes beyond just feeling better: it actively prevents you from falls and injuries as you age.

A Path Towards Relief

Aging comes with more aches and pains because our bodies don’t work like they used to, but this is another area where stretching comes to the rescue. Regular stretching can alleviate the acute and chronic pains and discomforts that accompany getting older.¹ Stretching can target the most common areas that harbor pain, like your neck, back, hips, knees, and even headaches. It can especially support your joint health: if you struggle with arthritis or general joint stiffness, you might be surprised at how much daily stretching can ease your discomfort. What better way to relieve your aches and pains than with a natural, medication-free approach like stretching?

Short-Term Steps = Long-Term Rewards

The beauty of stretching is that you can access it anywhere and anytime; it offers solitude or connection with others; and it protects your long-term well-being on physical, mental, and emotional levels.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with where to start, take it one step at a time: small, daily actions have significant impacts over time. As you age and your muscles tighten, committing to regular stretching while you watch TV, attend a meeting, prepare for bedtime, or get a workout in will set you up for longevity so you can enjoy all life has to offer – no matter what comes your way.