Which sports are particularly gentle on the joints for older people?
February 19, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Norbert Sauer
Dear Doctor,
my name is Tobias Klett and I am 65 years old. In recent years, I have noticed that I have more and more problems with my joints, especially after exercising. I am aware that exercise is important for my health, but I am concerned that my current sports activities are too taxing on my joints.
I used to play a lot of tennis and soccer in the past, but now I realize that it is too hard on my joints. Running also causes me difficulties. Therefore, I would like to know which sports are particularly gentle on the joints for older people like me.
I have thought about starting swimming or cycling, as these sports are considered joint-friendly. But I am not sure if they are the best options for me. Are there any other sports that I should consider?
I would like to stay active and promote my health, but I also want to protect my joints and avoid possible injuries. Therefore, I would be very grateful if you could give me some recommendations on which sports are particularly suitable for older people like me.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Tobias Klett
Dear Tobias Klett,
Thank you for your message and your interest in joint-friendly sports. It is commendable that you still want to stay active in your advanced age while also taking care of your joint health. It is important that you listen to your body and choose sports that do not overload your joints.
Swimming and cycling are indeed very good options for older people, as they are considered joint-friendly. Swimming relieves the joints because the body floats in water, exerting minimal pressure on the joints. Additionally, swimming works out many muscle groups, which is overall beneficial for health.
Cycling is also a good choice as it does not strain the joints while still allowing for effective endurance training. When cycling, make sure to maintain a good sitting position and possibly ride on an ergonomic bike to avoid back and joint problems.
In addition to swimming and cycling, there are other joint-friendly sports you can consider. These include Nordic walking, yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates. These sports promote flexibility, strengthen muscles, and improve posture without putting too much strain on the joints.
It is important that you choose a sport that brings you joy and that you can do in the long term. Listen to your body and make sure to gradually increase the intensity to avoid injuries. You may also consider speaking with a physiotherapist who can recommend individual exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
I hope these recommendations help you find the right joint-friendly sport for you. Stay active and healthy!
Best regards,
Norbert Sauer
