Sports Medicine Pros Offer Tips to Help Active, Aging Boomers Stay Injury-Free
March 20, 2006 -
After World War II, they arrived in droves and rocked the planet – more than 76 million in all – from 1946-1964. Now six decades later, the first battalion of American “baby boomers” turned 60 in January 2006 and they’re showing no signs of slowing down! “As a whole, boomers are the first generation of Americans who are staying active on their aging frames,” said Carolyn Peters, assistant athletic trainer at San Diego State University. “Because of their aging frame, however, many are experiencing ‘boomeritis’ – musculoskeletal problems, which include tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis and sports-related injuries.”
Certified athletic trainers advise America’s soon-to-be seniors stay strong, healthy and boomeritis-free – whether they are Kathleen Casey Wilkens (the first American boomer) or President George W. Bush, Cher, Rev. Al Green, actress Diane Keaton or Donald Trump.“Athletic trainers are highly skilled health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur in active people of all ages,” said Peters.
With no time to waste, boomers are joining health clubs at an astonishing rate – up 135 percent between 1987 and 2001, reports America Sports Data, Inc. They account for nearly one-third of all Americans who participated in bicycling, basketball, baseball, running and other sports in 1998, according to the latest statistics available from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. That same year, they suffered more than one million sports injuries, which amounted to nearly $19 billion in medical costs. Between 1991 and 1998, sports-related injuries among baby boomers increased about 33 percent. This translated into more than 365,000 hospital emergency room visits. “The most common types of injuries that occur to baby boomers are often the result of years of overuse to the musculoskeletal system; old injuries that occur again; the normal ‘wear and tear’ of tendons and joints; and muscle loss associated with aging,” said Peters. “Because of age-related changes, boomers’ bodies are more vulnerable, and it is important that this group learn to listen to their bodies and seek expert help to prevent injuries before they occur.”
Here are some helpful tips to help prevent “boomeritis:”
- Customize your workouts based on your individual fitness level and goals.
- Find your "weak links" or points of vulnerability - they will need special attention in your workout design.
- If you have muscle, bone or joint problems, consider lower impact aerobic routines and lighter loads with weight training.
- Embrace cross-training for truly balanced fitness. Include aerobic or cardiovascular activities, strength training and stretching.
- Always warm up before exercise or sports.
- Take calcium and vitamins to keep your bones and joints healthy and strong.
- Learn to listen to your body. If you have problems with aches and pains, see a doctor and certified athletic trainer who can help you on the path to recovery. Exercise shouldn't be a pain!
Peters advises consulting with a board certified physician prior to engaging in any exercise program.
About the California Athletic Trainers Association (CATA):
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the provision of physical medicine and rehabilitation services, serving as physician extenders in the prevention, assessment and treatment of acute and chronic injuries and illnesses. The California Athletic Trainers Association (www.cata-usa.org) represents and supports 2,200 members of the athletic training profession through communication and education.