One of the most misleading and harmful pieces of advice often given to those who are aging is, “You’re not that young anymore; you should slow down and be careful.” This seemingly well-meaning advice is like a slow-acting poison, leading to decrepitude, infirmity, and a decline in both physical and mental health.
This misconception stems from a pervasive urban myth that aging inherently means decreasing physical activity. Unfortunately, popular wisdom isn’t always wise, and in this case, it promotes a decline in well-being rather than fostering wellness. The truth is, the exact opposite is true: staying active is crucial for maintaining health and vitality as we age.
The Importance of Staying Active
When you hear the discouraging mantra, “Be careful, you’re not that young anymore,” it’s time to challenge it with a more empowering truth: “Function maintains structure.” This means that by keeping our bodies active, we maintain our physical and neurological structures.
The phrase “use it or lose it” is not just a catchy saying; it’s scientifically accurate. Anatomically, physiologically, and neurologically, if we don’t use our bodies, we lose them. This doesn’t just apply to muscles and bones—it applies to our brain’s ability to control our movements and maintain our health. While activities like crossword puzzles, reading, and mental games are beneficial, they are no substitute for natural, physical activity.
From the moment we are born, movement is key to our development. It’s how we learn to crawl, walk, talk, and even think. This pattern of movement is embedded in our biology and has been vital for survival since the dawn of time. Without it, mammals, birds, fish, and insects—indeed, all living creatures, including humans—wouldn’t exist.
The True Cause of Decline: Inactivity, Not Age
The softening, weakening, and deterioration of our bodies as we age happens not because of the passage of time, but because we stop moving. Those who believe they must “take it easy” as they grow older are, in reality, gradually surrendering their life functions.
Maturing is a lifelong process of learning—not just in terms of cognitive abilities, but also through movement. Unfortunately, many people see aging as a process of decay, rather than a continuous opportunity to grow and adapt. While people often rush to fix their cars or phones when they break down, they paradoxically accept the decline of their own physical capabilities, often exacerbated by poor nutrition and inactivity.
The Consequences of Abandoning Movement
As adults, many of us stop engaging in the kinds of movements we naturally performed as children. Kids run, climb, and play on all fours. Adults, in contrast, walk slowly, take elevators, and spend much of their time sitting. This shift in behavior isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a detrimental adaptation that has profound consequences for our health.
When we stop using the functions we relied on as children, we begin to lose them. This happens because the brain, which is highly adaptive, responds to inactivity by pruning away the neural connections that are no longer in use. In essence, the brain forgets how to move the body effectively.
This abandonment of movement leads to a host of modern health issues: obesity, lower back pain, respiratory and heart problems, frozen shoulders, depression, and more. These problems are often masked by medications, but the underlying issues grow stronger each day, contributing to the increasing strain on healthcare systems like the NHS.
Understanding Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA)
The gradual loss of movement ability leads to what is known as Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA)—a condition where the brain loses control over certain muscles due to disuse. This can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged bed rest, wheelchair use, poor posture, certain work conditions, psychological stress, and heavy reliance on medications like sleeping pills and antidepressants. Constant muscular contraction and lack of movement are at the core of this problem.
The solution is not just to live longer, but to live well—both mentally and physically. Dying in good health is the ultimate achievement. A balanced body leads to a balanced mind, where the brain sends only the necessary signals to the body, freeing up mental space and increasing overall awareness.
Feldenkrais: Reclaiming Movement and Awareness
In Feldenkrais sessions, the focus is solely on restoring this lost balance. By relearning natural movement patterns, participants can reconnect with their bodies, regain control over their muscles, and improve their overall quality of life.
So, the next time someone advises you to slow down because of your age, remember: staying active is the key to staying young. Use your body, and you’ll maintain your vitality, strength, and mental clarity.
