Statistically, it is proven that older athletes are much more likely to injure themselves than younger athletes today who are doing the same sport. However, looking at a more positive note, it has been found that even when accounting for their likelihood of injury, older athletes tend to be physically better off than the average person of their same age. For all athletes, a careful period dedicated to warming-up consisting of stretching and balance is key to reducing the chance of injury.
Balance is pivotal when doing any kind of physical activity, especially older athletes. Mainly because they are more susceptible to injuring themselves that will have long term effects for the rest of their life. This includes
hematomas, artificial ligament replacements and many other serious consequences. Also another important factor is the sweat production and allowing the body to cool down and to increase blood flow to the skin. Blood flow to the skin in older, fit athletes is lower than in younger athletes. The lower blood flow associated with increasing age appears to be independent of hydration state. It also appears that, although sweat-gland recruitment is similar to that of younger athletes, older athletes produce less sweat per gland. Older athletes should be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. They should also be aware that most heat exhaustion occurs before
heat acclimatization. All in all, athletes should be careful of higher intense workouts when being acclimated to a new environment until their body is fully capable of performing.
In recent posts, I have blogged about the benefits that come with physical activity and the effects it has on people’s aging. However this week, I have decided to focus more on the sport of football and the troubles players face post careers. Looking earlier on, in the 1970’s, the average NFL player lasted nearly or close to five years in the league. By around the mid 1980’s NFL players gradually made a transition to a three year stay. Partly because people are becoming more physically stronger, faster and when these athletes are pushing further limits they are able to exert more force into their opponents causing severe damage to a person’s body. According to the NFL Players Association. A vested NFL player (meaning they get their pension after retirement) has to play at least 4 years. So this makes it interesting for players to go above the average players
in the league and put more damage on their bodies so they are able to get this pension. I constantly hear stories of players who are considered veterans in the league who are unable to sit for long periods at a time because their bodies cramp up so they have to stand up and walk around for 20 plus minutes just so they don’t have problems. When you hear stories about these athletes it really shows they put a toll on their body and the aging process to make money and do what they love. It's a short stay for most and this is why you see athletes trying to get the most money from NFL owners.
