This article has kindly been shared by Alison Richmond from Provention
Aging gracefully isn’t about botox or green smoothies (though we love both). It’s about staying active, strong, and mobile. And guess what? Your joints do most of the heavy lifting here. If you’re not taking care of them now, your future self might struggle to keep up later.
That’s where F.A.C.E. comes in. Dr Vonda Wright, Orthopaedic guru extraordinaire, cracked the code for ageing well. Her cheat sheet includes four simple pillars to keep you moving like a boss well into your golden years.
Meet F.A.C.E.
- F = Flexibility (Because bending should feel like yoga, not a medieval punishment)
- A = Aerobic Exercise (Cardio isn’t just for weight loss, folks)
- C = Carry a Load (Spoiler alert: Lifting heavy isn’t just for the gym bros)
- E = Equilibrium (Keep your balance in check to prevent meeting the floor face-first)
In this article, we’re zooming in on F is for Flexibility –
Flexibility is the Unsung Hero of Ageing
Let’s talk about stretching, proper stretching. When was the last time you stretched your muscles like your independence depended on it? Because here’s the cold, hard truth – it does depend on it!
Lose your flexibility, and the following daily tasks suddenly become mission impossibles:
- Tying your shoes
- Hopping into your car (or out of it)
- Picking yourself up if you stumble
And it’s not just about convenience. Flexibility is the oil to your mobility machine. Without it, your joints start feeling like rusty door hinges, squeaky, stiff, and “literally” on their last legs.
Ignore flexibility today, and you’re looking at years of struggles tomorrow. Not the #lifegoals you were aiming for, right?
Why Do You Need Flexibility Now?
Here’s the thing about flexibility that most people overlook – it fuels strength. Strong muscles without flexible joints? It’s like driving a sports car on slick tyres.
And here’s why you must prioritise flexibility:
- Keeps your joints “hydrated” (yes, joints get dry and cranky, just like you after a late night)
- Reduces stiffness (so you can bounce out of bed, not groan out of it)
- Lower risk of injury (goodbye random ankle twists)
- Boosts mobility, keeping you independent longer
How Can You Build Flexibility?
You don’t need to touch your toes tomorrow, but something small today could make a big difference in a year. Start with this –
- Stretch daily. Make it 10 minutes. Stick with it.
- Focus on dynamic stretches (think hip circles, arm swings) before a workout and static stretches after.
- Watch your posture (your mum wasn’t wrong about sitting up straight).
Not sure where to start? Look up yoga or pilates. Or Google “simple stretches for sedentary lives”
Pro-tip?
Make stretches feel less like a chore and more like a luxury – and make it fun.
Spotify + candlelight vibes recommended.
You didn’t hear it from us, but a glass of wine post your stretch session may also be good for your morale (maybe not joints though).
