Benefits of stretching

Stretching after 60

You may think stretching is only for runners or athletes, but we all need to stretch in order to protect our mobility and independence. “A lot of people don’t understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis, it should be daily,” says David Nolan, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Why is stretching important?

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.

Some of the health benefits of stretching are:

• relief from pain, specifically lower back, neck or shoulders
• increased energy levels
• improved flexibility
• better range of motion of the joints
• greater circulation of blood to various parts of the body
• make everyday movements easier
• relaxation and stress relief
• enhanced muscular coordination
• Assist in correct posture
• greater sense of well-being
• potential to decrease injury
• increases nutrient supply to muscles to help reduce muscle soreness

So let’s explore in more detail why it’s important for anyone over 60 to regularly stretch. Here’s 11 benefits of stretching that’s linked to improvements in health and wellbeing.