Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Middle-Age Americans becoming Less Mobile


After reviewing data from the 1997-2007 National Health Interviews researchers from Rand Corp. released some unfortunate news about middle-age Americans.

The study pointed out that 40% of respondents between the ages of 50 and 64 report difficulty with at least 1 of 9 basic physical functions. Over the 10 year period studied there has been a significant increase in the number of respondents that said a health problem has made it hard to stand for 2 hours, stoop down, walk a quarter of a mile, and climb 10 steps without resting. Furthermore, a growing number of respondents said they need help with simple daily tasks like getting in and out of bed, and moving around the house.

The causes these middle-age Americans gave for their need of assistance include:

- Arthritis
- Rheumatism
- Neck problems
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety or emotional problems.

Many of the respondents said these problems began in their 30's and 40's, and a major concern is that they will continue to grow worse with age.

At Brockton Physical therapy we are very aware of the mobility problems affecting middle-age people and we are able to help. Through physical therapy we can increase mobility, reduce the pain associated with these conditions and help you prevent the development of these conditions. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or would like to come in for an evaluation with a therapist.

Here is a link to the article to read more: http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/637792/main.html?ic=6012

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