STAYING flexible

Along with the many inconveniences of growing older are one or two structural ones, involving our scaffolding. As with buildings’ foundations and supports, our bones and joints shrink and dry out

And with that cheerful metaphor you would probably like to know how to delay what may still only be early morning stiffness from becoming a tiresome disability, for as long as possible. Especially, since such changes can affect muscle tone, posture, movement, even height and body shape.

Without going into advanced anatomy, basically the skeleton provides the body’s structure and support, and the joints, where the bones meet, allow for flexibility. The area between the bones is cushioned by cartilage in the joint, surrounded by synovial membranes and fluid.

There are, we all know, a number of diseases that affect the efficiency of joints and diagnosis and treatment for these is available. But there is plenty we can do to lessen, even avoid, the more common problems that can arise from the simple act of ageing. The important thing is not to wait until everyday bending and stretching becomes awkward, but to start anticipating it; ideally, as from today.

A lifetime’s healthy eating is the best way to shore up our bodies for the future. But not everyone thinks that far ahead, so what can be done from the time the first twinges are felt? If they are bothersome enough to prevent you enjoying getting out and about, or keep you awake at night, you should find out what’s causing them. Otherwise, here are some ways to continue looking after them.

Exercise

They all say that. But this need not mean a boring regime or a costly gym membership. We are lucky enough to have the sea all around us and swimming is an especially good example of the sort of exercise that helps. It can also be a fun family activity. So too can walking, at your own pace, in your own time. If there are no decent ‘walks’ near you, take a bus to somewhere pleasant and wander around. Make it a treat, go with a companion, the dog or just on your own. It doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Although it’s not obvious, pottering around doing odd jobs is a form of exercise. Housework, for example, some simple plastering and paint jobs, smartening up the garden or yard, reviving the outdoor furniture and several really good clearing out sessions, will not only loosen up the knuckles and joints, but also give you a real sense of achievement.

Then, there’s always sport. Don’t think the date on your birth certificate is an indication of when you should ditch your kit. Naturally the level and pace will change but play on when you can. There’s always coaching and supporting others as a way of keeping your hand in too.

All this will also help with other important way of taking the strain off joints, maintaining good posture and keeping the weight off. It is all too easy to blame age for any weight gain, but any metabolic changes it brings need not lead to being overweight. At this time in life the burden of only one or two extra kilos is asking for trouble.

Eat well

Being overweight puts enormous extra stress on weight-bearing joints such as spine, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Losing weight, and keeping it down, will reduce further damage in the future and improve your flexibility, making it easier to move and carry out daily functions.

But avoid very low-calorie