As we age, our hands don’t always work as easily as they used to. Tasks that used to be simple, like opening jars, buttoning shirts, or holding a cup, can become more difficult. You may even notice that your hands tire more easily or that you drop things more often. This is a natural part of aging. But the good news is there are simple ways to improve your strength, so you can continue doing the things you enjoy with ease.

Tips to Keep Your Hands Strong:

• Stretch Daily: Keep hands flexible by regularly stretching…open and close…and moving your fingers and wrists.
• Build Strength: Squeeze a stress ball, use hand grippers, or garden to improve strength and coordination.
• Stay Active: Do daily tasks like folding laundry or playing cards to maintain hand function.
• Take Breaks: Rest your hands when holding objects for long periods to prevent strain.
• Protect Joints: Avoid over-gripping and use assistive tools for easier tasks.
• Use Warm or Cold Therapy: Warm water eases stiffness; cold packs reduce swelling.

How Therapy Can Help:

Occupational therapy can help you maintain hand function by showing you exercises and techniques to improve strength and movement. An occupational therapist can also recommend simple tools to make everyday activities easier. If your hands hurt or feel weak, talk to your doctor. Keeping them strong will help you stay independent and continue doing the things you love!

Back pain can be debilitating and significantly impact your quality of life. In fact, a study from Georgetown University titled Chronic Back Pain reported that adults with chronic back pain were less active and often limited their social activities.

Anyone can have back pain, but here are some common risk factors:

• • Getting older – your spine becomes more fragile
  • Poor physical fitness
  • Being overweight puts extra stress on your back
  • Poor posture like hunching over
  • Inappropriate lifting techniques such as using your back and not your legs
  • Smoking decreases blood flow and increases the risk of osteoporosis

If you have back pain, there are many treatment options available. Acute back pain can often resolve on its own with rest or ibuprofen. However, some people may require additional treatment including hot or cold therapies, exercise, physical therapy, medicine, injections, or surgery.

How Can Therapy Help?

Physical therapy treatment is focused on reducing pain as well as therapeutic exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion. Occupational therapists work to assess how pain may be impacting your desired activities and quality of life. They can teach you skills and strategies to manage your pain so it interferes less with your daily life.
If you are suffering from back pain, talk with your doctor about treatment options and ask about physical or occupational therapy. Being proactive will help you get your pain under control.

Sources: mayoclinic.org, georgetown.edu