Exercise and Aging: Finding the Sweet Spot
As we age, it’s common to experience aches and pains that can be frustrating and debilitating. For many of us, exercise is a crucial part of our daily routine, but it can also be a source of pain and discomfort. I recently found myself wondering if my exercise routine, which includes a two-mile morning walk with my dog, 30 minutes of swimming laps or riding a stationary bike, and playing pickleball twice a week, is doing more harm than good.
To get some expert advice, I reached out to Dr. Robert Klapper, an orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai and host of the ESPN radio show “Weekend Warrior.” Dr. Klapper has written several books on joint health and has a unique approach to exercise and aging. He believes that exercise comes in two flavors: nurturing and abusive. Nurturing exercise, which he calls “agercise,” is designed to promote joint health and reduce the risk of injury, while abusive exercise can exacerbate existing conditions and lead to further damage.
Dr. Robert Klapper holds up his book about preventing hip surgery.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Understanding the Risks of High-Impact Exercise
Dr. Klapper explained that high-impact activities like pickleball can be particularly problematic for older adults, as they can exacerbate existing joint conditions and lead to further damage. He noted that pickleball has become a popular activity among older adults, but it can be a source of injury, particularly for those who play several times a week. According to Dr. Klapper, the repetitive stress and impact of pickleball can worsen arthritis and accelerate joint degeneration.
However, Dr. Klapper did not advise me to stop playing pickleball altogether. Instead, he recommended that I incorporate more nurturing exercises into my routine, such as water walking, to help promote joint health and reduce the risk of injury. He explained that water walking can help develop muscles and joints without the stress of full weight-bearing exercise, and can also improve balance, coordination, and agility.
