It's true that physical aging is a natural part of getting older, but a new survey reveals just how many American adults are unaware of when and how old age will affect them.
The American Physical Therapy Association conducted a survey of over 1,000 adults in the U.S. and found both optimistic and negative views on aging. On one hand, around three in five of those surveyed felt they'd be able to live independently in their 80s and that they'd be able to do the same sort of physical activities they do now, in their retirement years.
But on the other hand, around half also believed they will experience age-related loss of strength and flexibility.
The APTA says the survey also showed some confusion as to when respondents would start to feel the effects of time on their bodies. Younger people said they thought the symptoms of aging would begin in their 40s and 50s, while the majority of respondents thought they'd notice changes in their 60s.
The APTA says Americans need to be educated on the benefits of physical therapy as a preventive measure, to improve existing physical problems as well as serving as a tool to slow down the effects of aging.
“So many patients first come to physical therapy believing they have no choice -- that they can’t avoid difficult surgeries or dependence on prescription drugs as they get older,” APTA spokeswoman Alice Bell said in a statement.
APTA wants adults to know that as they get older, physical therapy can help you manage your pain and improve your condition. Therapists can also help adults looking to start an exercise regimen to build a program that makes them stronger without causing injury or the straining of hips, knees and lower back.
“These patients are genuinely amazed to see how conditions like low back pain, arthritis, diabetes -- even bladder leakage -- can be managed or even reversed with physical therapist treatment," Bell said.
Head over to APTA Move Forward PT website to learn more about how to keep yourself fit and healthy as you age.
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