Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32364/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Physical decline doesn’t start at 40; it begins in your 20s.
“Don’t take your parents or your physical strength for granted!”
For those whose parents have already passed away, it’s a sobering reality that loved ones won’t always be by your side. Human life has its limits, and the same applies to physical strength.
We often believe our physical strength will last forever, especially in our 20s and 30s, when we feel nearly invincible and capable of pushing our limits. During this period, muscle decline and organ fatigue are minimal unless you push yourself excessively. Additionally, recovery from fatigue is quick, which makes it easy to overlook any signs of declining strength.
However, physical strength does diminish over time. This is why it’s important to reflect on changes in your strength over 5- or 10-year intervals.
In recent years, it’s become common to see people walking while glued to their smartphones. On trains, nearly everyone is looking at their screens. Smartphone addiction has become a societal issue. Over-focusing on external distractions can lead to mental health problems, even if you’re physically strong. According to the WHO, one in five people worldwide struggles with mental health issues.
For many people in their 20s and 30s, illness is often linked to sleep deprivation. Working on computer-related tasks right before bed disrupts deep sleep and lowers sleep quality. Since physical decline starts as early as your 20s, it’s important not to overestimate your endurance.
Is posture important when walking in your 40s and 50s?!
Your 40s and 50s may be the busiest time of your life. It’s often described as the prime of life, a period when you’re highly valued by society and most active. While many people start to notice a decline in their physical strength, they often feel they’re still capable of handling the demands of daily life.
It’s common to see people carrying heavy bags as they rush around. Many men, for example, come to appointments carrying a heavy briefcase in one hand, while women often carry large bags hooked over their elbows. These habits can lead to an uneven posture while walking.
When your body’s axis is unstable, you use muscles unevenly on each side, which leads to faster muscle fatigue during movement. Over time, this can result in spinal misalignment and develop into issues such as knee pain, back pain, and shoulder stiffness. These problems can accelerate internal organ fatigue, leaving you feeling deeply exhausted by evening.
Compared to people in their 20s and 30s, those in their 40s and 50s experience noticeable declines in lower and upper body muscle strength. Despite reduced physical activity, they often maintain the same level of daily responsibilities, with minimal rest periods. This lifestyle can become a breeding ground for illnesses.
In your 40s, while you may feel the onset of physical decline, it’s often difficult to fully grasp its extent. By your 50s, you may feel the effects of aging more, but with increased life experience, you tend to avoid unnecessary movements, which can help compensate for the decline.
However, continuing to live as you did in your 30s increases the likelihood of developing health issues, including lifestyle-related diseases. To avoid these, adapting your lifestyle to match your current physical strength is key—though this can be challenging during this stage of life.
The Importance of Posture
To prevent physical decline in your 40s and 50s, paying attention to your posture while walking is crucial. Carrying heavy items during work or shopping is physically demanding and can lead to muscle imbalances. To minimize these effects:
• Use a backpack to distribute weight evenly.
• Avoid holding items in your hands (like smartphones) while walking.
• Keep your back straight.
• Aim to walk for about 30 minutes daily.
Simple Morning Exercises
If you’re starting to feel the effects of physical decline, incorporating simple morning exercises into your routine is highly recommended. You may realize that activities you found easy as a child now feel difficult or even impossible. For those who can, walking for 15–30 minutes without holding anything in your hands is a great way to prevent muscle loss.
Invest in Yourself
Take 30 minutes each day to focus on preventing muscle decline—it’s a small investment for your health and well-being.
Does physical decline really start at 40?! Are there secrets to preventing muscle loss? 02
Does physical decline really start at 40?! Are there secrets to preventing muscle loss? 03