The Wall Street Journal ran a good article last week. The premise was a simple one that I heartily agree with:
Longevity researchers have spent decades hunting for a magic pill to slow the aging process. But the best solution--at least for now--may be the simplest one: Move more.
The author points out that exercise stimulates muscle and bone growth that helps lessen fatigue and, for older adults, protect against bad falls. It can reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
In addition, exercise improves memory. It helps us learn better. It reduces inflammation.
And on and on and on.
All this talk of exercise may seem frustrating on a blog devoted to people with damaged knees. But it's good to know why it's so important to get better: because living a long, happy, healthy life involves being able to do things like play a game of tennis, walk up a mountain or even toss a frisbee back and forth.
What I like most about the opening to this article is that it doesn't say, "Go out and run a half marathon." Rather, the advice is much more basic: "Move more."
People suffering from knee pain won't be able to do the ambitious activities that others engage in. But, no matter how much your knees hurt, there are usually ways to move more without making your condition worse.
I'm reminded of the simple exercise where someone can sit in a chair, place their feet on a low, rolling platform, then just roll it back and forth. This shows that if it hurts to walk, it's possible to start with something really, really easy. I think everyone can find some way to move more.
So that's what's on my mind today. How's everyone doing out there? Any success stories to share?
