Where are you on the Hierarchy of Functional Aging? In 5 years, 10, 15 or 20, where do you want to be?
It brings home the importance of functional longevity. You don't want to live to 105 and not do it well!
Knowing what you want to be able to do in 5, 10, 15, 20 or more years means you need to be doing AT LEAST that NOW! If injury, pain or body changes are in your way, it is important to get it cleared up so you can focus on staying strong, mobile and balanced.
Look at the image above. I think most would agree, we want to live at a #2,#3 or #4 for the duration of our life.
WHAT’S YOUR SCORE?
Below is a short version of the Functional Living Assessment by the American Physical Therapy Association.
Scale: 0 – Extreme difficulty or unable to perform, 1 (extremely difficult), 3 moderate difficulty, 5 No difficulty
1. Any of your usual work, housework, or school activities.
2. Your usual hobbies, recreational or sporting activities.
3. Getting Into or out of the bath.
4. Walking between rooms.
5. Putting on your shoes or socks.
6. Squatting.
7. Lifting an object, like a bag of groceries from the floor.
8. Performing light activities around your home.
9. Getting into or out of a car.
10. Walking 2 blocks.
11. Walking a mile.
12. Going up or down 10 stairs (about 1 flight).
13. Standing for 1 hour.
14. Running on even ground.
15. Running on uneven ground.
16. Making sharp turns while running.
17. Hopping.
18. Rolling over in bed.
Regardless of your total score, if you gave yourself a 0, 1, or 2 on any of the tasks, it is an indication of where you would need to give some attention to.
How to get started:
1. If you have pain, deal with that first. Pilates, physio, chiro.
2. Find movement you ENJOY. If you don’t enjoy it you won’t do it.
3. Social support – engage with friends or find an exercise facility where you can meet and interact with others.
4. Move your body in all directions and all levels (to the floor, on back, on stomach, hands and knees, standing) to keep movement savvy and confident.
5. Build slowly. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Too much too soon, leads to muscle soreness or injury and discouragement. Be patient. Your body is amazing and will adapt to new demands if you are kind to yourself. Consistency and enjoyment are most important.
READY TO BEGIN?
Our Jumpstart Program is the perfect start. Only 4 sessions to feel the difference in your body.
Details here: https://twconline.ca/get-started