I am approaching the two-year anniversary of my shocking illness. On May 5, 2019, an undiagnosed aneurysm ruptured while my husband and I were in Amsterdam. Three months later, I left Amsterdam’s OVLG Hospital, whose skilled staff saved my life while their compassionate hearts helped me to begin recovering in a body that was left wasted by repeated brushes with death.
It has taken me two years to fully rehabilitate. I am grateful every time my feet hit the floor, or I roll over in bed, or I grab a heavy pan, or I sit up straight. I will never again take movement for granted. And neither should you, because you can improve your quality of life through ordinary activity.
Here is my experience and the findings of new research from the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego.
Mobility Disability Affects One in Four of Us
When I returned home, I could stand, but not long. I could walk, but not far. And I could not lift my foot high enough to step up on a curb. I was among the 25 percent of older women who are mobility impaired.
One in four women over age 65 is unable to walk two blocks or climb a flight of stairs. Known as mobility disability, it is the leading type of incapacity in the United States and a key contributor to a person’s loss of independence.
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego
Exercise Guidelines Are Unrealistic
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity.
The Mayo Clinic
Before my illness, I was a fitness instructor, putting 55-plus men and women through hour-long aerobic, strengthening, and stretching classes many times a week. Since I dedicated myself to recovery, I have inhabited a far more real world of older Americans who are just not going to get those 150 minutes in. Ever.
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is increasingly more difficult to perform as people age.
John Bellettiere, Ph.D., UC San Diego
Light-Intensity Movement is the Key
We found that, among older women, light-intensity physical activity preserves mobility later in life.
Andrea LaCroix, PhD, MPH, UC San Diego
When you’re learning how to move again, every activity is challenging. As I’ve regained my strength, it’s tempting to disregard everyday movement, but it’s precisely this kind of routine activity that turns out to be the key to independence.
All movement counts if you want to maintain mobility.
Nicole Glass, UC San Diego
— Standing up during the television commercials.
— Making yourself that cup of tea.
— Browsing the garden to see what’s coming up this spring.
— Emptying the dishwasher (this is one you can “gift” to your housemate.)
— Taking a walk down the block. Or around the block.
And, as my friend Marlo Scott said in our post of last week:
Have fun while you move!
Marlo Scott, First Class Fitness and Wellness.
You can find out more about Marlo Scott’s fitness and wellness work here.