Mobility loss is often associated with aging, but it’s not inevitable. With simple, intentional movement habits, you can maintain your mobility and stay functional as you grow older.
The key is to move smarter, not longer. Most people believe that maintaining flexibility requires long, tedious stretching routines. However, this isn’t the case. By incorporating small, strategic movements into your daily life, you can improve and maintain your mobility over time.
Aging brings natural changes to the body, such as reduced muscle mass, joint stiffness, and slower recovery. But losing mobility doesn’t have to be one of them. In fact, lack of movement is more likely to lead to reduced mobility than aging itself.
To stay mobile, focus on training your whole body in all three planes of motion: sagittal, frontal, and transverse. These exercises can help prevent pain and injury while keeping you functional and resilient.
Incorporating movement throughout the day, not just during workouts, is also crucial. Small movements can make a big difference in maintaining flexibility and preventing tight hips and weaker postural muscles.
Committing to just five minutes of mobility daily can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. This can include morning yoga, posture exercises, or targeted stretches. Regular mobility work allows you to identify areas of tightness or discomfort before they become bigger issues.
Strength training is also essential for maintaining movement quality as you age. Focus on compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups and joints at once. These movements mimic real-life actions and can help improve mobility by keeping joints stable and preserving muscle mass.
Finally, your breathing pattern affects how you move and feel in your body. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing and extended exhales can help reduce upper-body tension and improve mobility. By incorporating these simple exercises into your daily routine, you can maintain flexibility, stability, and ease of movement without spending hours stretching.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/03/health/maintain-mobility-older-age-wellness/index.html