The senior citizen age is a phase of life that arrives for all human beings, bringing great changes.
According to the United Nations, There were 703 million persons aged 65 years or over in the world in 2019. The number of older persons is projected to double to 1.5 billion in 2050.
In old age, the body is more fragile and the person is subject to several pathologies, so it is very important to practice physical activities and have a good diet during this phase.
When Pilates is practiced, the body gains greater conditioning that helps in strengthening the muscles and improving flexibility, so the Method is a great ally for people who are in old age. We created this text for you to better understand how the body works in old age, what pathologies can affect the human being in this period, and what are the main benefits that Pilates provides to help healthy aging.
Entering old age and Pilates
The third age starts from the age of 60 and is characterized by physical and organic changes in human beings, changing their functions and bringing changes in their behaviors.
Aging occurs in different aspects of life, which can be: biological, social, psychological, economic, and political, depending on several factors that occurred in the previous stages of life.
Therefore, the third age does not incorporate in a single concept, since the chronological age may not be the same as the biological and social age of the human being.
With the arrival of old age, the person has joint pain, decreased flexibility, strength and balance.
In addition, the mind also undergoes changes where in some cases, memory is affected and attention consequently decreases. It is very important that this person has an active life practicing physical activities and eating properly so that his body can age in a healthy way.
Having a healthy youth, also helps with the arrival of old age, because then, the body already has a physical stability and the losses of nutrients are less.
What affects the body with old age?
When the human being reaches the third age, the body is more prone to acquire pathologies. This happens because in this phase the body loses nutrients and the muscles together with the bones become more fragile.
Among the pathologies that can affect the body during this period of life we can mention:
- Diabetes;
- Hypertension;
- Osteoporosis;
- Heart problems;
- Avc;
- Pneumonia;
- Hearing loss;
- Alzheimer’s;
- Decreased lung capacity;
- Circulation problems;
- Cataract;
- Arthrosis;
- Loss of motor coordination;
- Changes in posture;
- Loss of flexibility.
To combat these pathologies that can affect health in old age, it is important to practice physical activities so that the body can be stimulated and the individual begins to age healthily.