One day it happens. Your legs hurt. Your hands hurt. Your neck hurts. You hurt. It is startling.
When you were younger, the best thing you could do for pain was rest the affected part. As a senior, that could be the worst approach.
Up to 60 percent of seniors have chronic pain from arthritis, neuropathy, chronic conditions — even medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, staying active, as hard as it may be, can help.
Stretching is the first step, especially if you notice that pain seems to reduce with activity. Simple stretches like neck rotations, shoulder shrugs and ankle circles can be done anywhere, anytime, and can provide some, if not complete, relief.
You can find many free seated stretching programs on sites like YouTube. These are especially good for those with back pain.
Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce joint pain. If balance is an issue, try riding an adult tricycle.
Strength training exercises can also help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, which can lead to injuries and chronic pain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and two days of strength training per week. However, it's important to start slowly and work up to this level of activity to avoid injury.