By Dr. Sean T Lordan

It’s officially spring here in New England and finally  winter is behind us. Being cooped up has been a staple of our lives this past year, so today I would like to provide some tips to help you have a great spring.  This article specifically speaks to those who are baby boomers and are at an advanced age. My goal as a Physical Therapist is to guide people in moving and feeling as well as they can. Below are a few tips to do just that.

1. Make it a habit to get outside. The benefits of spending time in the sun (safely) are endless. The sun is at its highest angle in the sky during mid summer— so spring is a great time to get outside and catch some rays without the looming fear of sunburn. When your skin is exposed to sunlight it makes Vitamin D from cholesterol. Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” and  helps to counteract the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and can boost your mood and happiness. If you are prone to sunburns or have a history of skin cancer, consult your PCP before spending extended time in the sun.

2. While outside, try picking up a new hobby. Preferably pick a hobby that requires you to be active. Some of my favorites are hiking, golf, tennis and running. While performing your new hobby you are actually killing two birds with one stone. First, you’re getting your recommended daily allotment of exercise. Second, every time you do something new, your brain is forced to “re-wire” to learn and adapt to that activity. This is called neuroplasticity, and it helps prevent premature Alzheimers and some other forms of Dementia.

3. Stay social, even in isolated times. Connect with a distant family member via zoom who you haven’t seen in a while. Travel to a different part of the state you’ve never been and try a new restaurant (take-out if you must). Aim to talk to one new person a day for a week. The benefits of this exercise will astound you. During an experiment on a Chicago train years ago, researchers asked riders if they would be happier to speak to no one or to chat casually with a stranger while on their way to work in the morning. Although almost all participants thought that they would be happier if they kept to themselves, happiness scores zoomed when they engaged with their train neighbors in conversation. Amazing things happen when we try something new.

4. Volunteer your time. The benefits of donating your time (notice I didn’t say money) are well recorded. When volunteering you are exhibiting that the common good is more important than your own self interest. You are putting others needs before your own. I truly believe in the law of what goes around, comes around. The more you can do to help improve the quality of other peoples lives, the better. Find a way to add value to someone else’s life and it will come back to you in spades.

There you have it, this month’s edition of “4 Tips From Your Neighborhood PT!” As always if you have any questions for me personally I can be reached at (508) 861-1010 or [email protected]

-----------------------------------------------

Dr. Sean T. Lordan PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS is a Board Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Author of 11 Winning Secrets To Stop Aging In Its Tracks. He is the Owner of Concierge Physical Therapy with locations in Sutton, and coming soon in May 2021 to Shrewsbury.