Why is it, fellow seniors, when you kneel down or squat down, it’s so much harder to get up

[raccoon]

than it used to be?

[Curmudgeoness]

1. Have you ever seen an old tractor left out in the field too long?

All those rusted parts and leaking oil? Well, that is how I feel.

I should have taken better care of myself, but who knew (or who listened).

[elleng]

2. Our joints and balance

don't work as smoothly against gravity as they used to, need 'oil' and practice.

[Hoyt]

3. That's the truth. I put in a hardwood floor not long ago. The toughest part

was standing up every time I needed something.

[Paper Roses]

4. Have you been watching me? n/t.

[TexasProgresive]

5. It's gravity trying to pull us into the ground

We have to resist with all our strength. First it makes us sag and then we don't even have to fall and we can't get up. Whatever you do- don't because you will just have to lie there. Can you imagine calling 911 and saying, "I rolled on the floor laughing, and I can't get up, HELP!"

Seriously I'm not sure what muscles we use to get upright. I have been back cycling for more than a month and my legs are stronger. Yet get up from a kneeling position is no better.

[Sherman A1]

6. I believe for the most part

the term to be used is progressive maturity and in those cases it just sucks.

[loudsue]

7. It will change if you practice. I'm 65. My dog had 10 puppies, and I would often

be squatted or sitting on a low step with 2 puppies -- one in each hand. I would have to push up with my knees to stand up without using a hand to push myself. After a week or two, I was much stronger at standing up by just pushing with my knees. Now some of us are in line for knee replacements....thankfully I'm not there yet. If there is damage to your knees that exercise won't help, then don't hurt yourself!

If you do not have other damage but only weakness and stiffness, then strength training will help. Vitamin C, E and lots of Turmeric will definitely help.

[SheilaT]

8. In my case I weight more than I used to. That's the main problem.

There are cultures out there where people sit on the floor, and they don't have the same problems. It's got a lot to do with how sedentary too many of us become as we get older.

[jumptheshadow]

9. Too true, but a good older adult exercise program will help with that

To become more flexible, find a good older adult exercise program. Try a chair exercise class, especially if you haven't had an exercise routine for a while. A good instructor will take you through exercises that are optimal for seniors. They focus on "oiling" your joints, strengthening you and giving you more endurance. You may be sore for a day or two after, but you will eventually start to feel more flexible and energetic. Oh, and a good class will help to dissolve stress and will leave you feeling healthier emotionally.

After years of inertia, I started with general chair exercise, then added chair Pilates. After four months I am now learning mat Pilates and am working with a personal trainer on machine and free weights. In the process, I've lost 14 pounds and have regained the ability to bend, stretch and kneel with more ease. I can walk longer distances and hope to take up hiking next year.

Although the quality and class offerings of local YMCAs seems to vary, the Y is a good place to start to look for senior programs.