How to Improve Floor Mobility and Boost Longevity—Starting Today


The Sit and Rise Test – A Powerful Predictor of Longevity

Yesterday, we introduced the Sit and Rise Test, a powerful predictor of longevity. But what if you struggled with the test , or couldn’t do it at all?

The good news? You can train for floor mobility, even in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. The key is building strength, balance, and flexibility through functional movements you can practice daily.

Why This Matters For Pre-Retirees

  • Prevents loss of independence.
  • Reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
  • Builds confidence for staying active in later years.

Basic Mobility Home Exercises

Squat Exercise Using Support

Supported Squat

Bridge Exercise

Bridge

Middle Aged Woman Practicing A Squat Exercise from A Chair

Chair Squat To Stand

Supported Squat

  • Build thigh, glute, and leg strength.
  • Start in a standing position.
  • Hold onto a sturdy object.
  • Slowly lower to a mid squat.
  • Slowly return to standing position.
  • Repeat 3 to 5 repetitions or to tolerance.

Bridges

  • Use an exercise mat.
  • Build thigh, glute, and leg strength.
  • Lie on your back with feet hip width apart.
  • Arms at your sides. Palms down.
  • Slowly lift your back off the mat until knees are higher than shoulders.
  • Slowly lower your back to the start position.
  • Repeat 3 to 5 repetitions or to tolerance.

Chair Squat To Stand

  • Use a sturdy chair that won’t move during exercise.
  • Build thigh, glute, and leg strength.
  • Sit down in the chair with arms in front of you.
  • Slowy get up from the chair with arms in front of you.
  • Slowly sit down in the chair with arms in front of you.
  • Repeat 3 to 5 repetitions or to tolerance.

Quick Tip

Start small. Even doing just 5 to 10 minutes a day can make a real difference over time, especially for pre-retirees aiming to stay active and independent for the long haul.

Closing Thought

Don’t wait until you lose the ability to get off the floor. Train for it now. Your future self will thank you.


Empowering Older Women Through Strength Training


Here Are Some Key Insights

  • Muscle loss begins around age 35. Women tend to reach critical levels of strength loss earlier than men due to lower peak muscle mass.
  • Strength training can reverse or slow declines in bone density, muscle mass, and metabolic health. Benefits that cardio alone can’t match.
  • Despite these benefits, adherence is a major challenge. Many women don’t stick with programs long enough to see results, or they don’t know how to modify workouts safely for their age or fitness level.
  • For women who were less active earlier in life, starting strength training later is still incredibly beneficial, though it may require more personalized guidance.

Information Source: Now.tufts.edu, Flippingfifty.com, and Girlsgonestrong.com

Strength Training’s Role in Reducing Aging Anxiety


Research based on a recent survey published by Physical Activity and Health revealed how adults 40 and over develop aging anxiety as they grow older.

 “Evidence found that possessing an enjoyable attitude towards exercise was associated with less fear of social interactions, fewer psychological concerns, as well as a lower total score of ageing anxiety.

The study also found that strength training, in particular, helped older adults conserve bone mass and muscle, reduce the risk of dementia and retain motor control.”


Read the full article from MensHealth.com January 8, 2024

Strength Training for Older Adults: NIA Research Findings


“NIA (National Institutes On Aging) -supported researchers have been studying the effects of strength training for more than 40 years and have identified multiple ways it can benefit older adults, including maintaining muscle mass, improving mobility, and increasing the healthy years of life.”

“A big culprit for losing our physical abilities as we grow older is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, which is called sarcopenia. “


Read the full article from NIA.NIH.Gov

How Dr. Roizen Reversed His Biological Age by 20 Years


“Dr . Michael Roizen reports that his biological age is now just 57.6 years, thanks to his disciplined fitness routine and lifestyle choices”.

“In a society fixated on youth and longevity, Dr Michael Roizen, the 78-year-old Chief Wellness Officer at Cleveland Clinic, asserts that he has effectively reversed his biological age by an impressive 20 years. Dr Roizen reports that his biological age is now just 57.6 years, thanks to his disciplined fitness routine and lifestyle choices”.

I’m glad to see a doctor who has a regular health and fitness routine. He’s a positive role model for his patients and colleagues.


Read the entire July 25, 2024 article about Dr. Roizen at NDTV.com.