The good news is baby boomers are remaining active as they age. The bad news: They also become more injury-prone. Injuries related to sports and recreational activities are skyrocketing in our ever-increasing competitive and active world, and baby boomers are leading the charge. So common are boomer-related sore shoulders, achy knees, and sprained ankles that doctors are labeling these injuries “boomeritis.”

As we age, our bodies require more preparation and can’t take the physical strain that they once could. Doctors certainly don’t discourage baby boomers from exercising or competing in activities. But those in their middle age should be more cautious about their approach and play it smarter.

Boomeritis can be curtailed. Steps to prevent injury as you age include:

• Stretch and warm up before physical activity. Cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up by jogging or walking for three to five minutes or doing jumping jacks, and slowly and gently stretch your muscles for 30 seconds at a time.
• Condition your body through regular, moderate physical activity. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. This could entail such simple activities as walking the dog, gardening, playing with the kids, and taking the stairs instead of an elevator.
• Listen to your body. As you age, be sensible about the type of physical activity that you can and can’t tolerate.
• Alter your exercise routine to avoid pain and further damage. President Bush, for example, an avid runner who recently turned 60, started biking regularly after osteoarthritis in his knees forced him to give up running.
• Use the 10 percent rule. When starting an exercise program or routine, start out slowly and allow your body to become conditioned. You risk injury by giving it your all right away, whether doing cardiovascular or strength training.
• Develop a balanced fitness program. The ideal exercise regimen incorporates cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility. This provides the best recipe for avoiding injury while adding variety to your program.
  
  
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