Boomeritis
Posted on May 22, 2007 and filed under Fitness, Sports MedicineQuestion: “I’ve heard the term ‘boomeritis’ mentioned lately. I know this has something to do with baby boomers and sports injuries. What does ‘boomeritits’ refer to specifically?”
Answer: Boomeritis refers to sports-related injuries suffered by a growing number of the more than 80 million North American baby boomers who are refusing to slow down. They then leave themselves open to a number of complaints ranging from minor strains and sprains all the way to troublesome stress fractures and chronic musculoskeletal problems.
Overachievers Need New Guidelines
It’s time for a “new fitness prescription” for these aging overachievers, according to Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, orthopedic consultant for the Philadelphia 76ers. “As a whole, boomers are the first generation of North Americans who are staying active on their aging frames,” he says. “Because of their aging frames, however, many are experiencing ‘boomeritis,’ which includes tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis and sports-related injuries.”
To help all these soon-to-be seniors stay strong, a number of organizations have teamed up for an awareness drive designed to keep the Woodstock generation boomeritis-free. The year-long campaign - spotlighting physically active boomers - will appear in major magazines and newspapers with the provocative headline,
“There’s a secret to beating injuries. Get the right team.”
The Right Team For Baby Boomers
The right team includes both physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons. As you know by reading this newsletter each month, physical therapists are health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur in active people of all ages. Orthopedic surgeons are essential for diagnosing and treating bone, joint and muscle-related injuries and getting boomers back in action.”
Boomers Are Making An Impact
True to form, boomers are an economic force to be reckoned with. Boomers join health clubs at a stupendous rate - up 135 percent between 1987 and 2001. They also account for nearly one-third of all North Americans who participated in bicycling, basketball, baseball, running and other sports in 1998, according to the latest statistics. They like to stay in shape.
Boomers Are Prone To Injury More Than Ever Before
Unfortunately, that same year, boomers suffered more than one million sports injuries, which amounted to more $19 billion in medical costs North America-wide. Between 1991 and 1998, sports-related injuries among baby boomers increased by a staggering 33 percent.
“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’ to tendons and joints, and muscle loss associated with aging,” Dr. DiNubile explains. “Because of age-related changes, boomers’ bodies are just more vulnerable.”
“It is important that baby boomers learn to listen to their bodies and seek expert help to prevent injuries from happening,” Ms. Albohm adds.
Flower Power Forever
Here are some tips to lessen your chances of suffering from ‘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 an orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist. They can both help you get on the path to recovery.
And most of all - revise that silly mantra that says ‘No pain, no gain’ to ‘No pain ever again!’