<img src="https://health.kporia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/260407_movimiento-y-buena-alimentacion-claves-para-una-vejez-digna_internet2.jpeg” alt=”Movement and good nutrition, key to a dignified old age”>
Having muscle mass and healthy habits makes a difference in the quality of life in old age.
Stay active and eat well These are two fundamental factors for to reach old age with greater mobility and quality of life, stated Dr. Aldo Argüelles Alegría, Jefe of the Traumatology and Orthopedics Service of Civil Hospital of Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde”.
The specialist explained that thanks to medical advances, people are living longer and longer, so It is essential to prepare from early stages to reach old age in optimumphysical conditions.
“It is clear that we are going to live longerthan our parents, because science and medicine have helped us to live much longer, and There are two essential things for a dignified old age: movement, never stop moving, and nutrition. “Moving away from sugar, and increasing the amounts of fiber and protein,” he said.
He explained that Protein becomes especially important as age increases., postthat the body loses its ability to build muscle naturally and we need a protein reserve to build more strength.
“Maintaining muscle mass is notóIt has an aesthetic benefit, but primarily a functional one, since It allows one to maintain autonomy in daily life. “If you don’t have muscle, you can’t get up from a chair; you can be healthy at 90 years old, but if you don’t have muscle it’s impossible for you to get out of bed or move around,” he explained.
In addition, he stressed that Strengthening muscles helps protect the joints and it can reduce pain in people with joint degeneration.“When a person with knee osteoarthritis exercises more, their quadriceps strength increases and their weight decreases;”The pain decreases considerably and you can extend the life of the joint,” he explained.
He warned that starting High-impact activities without preparation can lead to injuries. especially in people who are overweight or in poor physical condition;In that sense, he recommended first strengthening muscles and reducing weight before practicing high-impact exercises.
“Not to wake up one day and say ‘HI’m not going to run today if I’m not strong, or if I’m overweight, because then the impact is greater and the joint damage can be greater. The best exercise, as we get older, is swimming. “In the water we don’t fall, we don’t get hurt, and we move all the muscles in our body,” he explained.
He noted that those who engaged in intense physical activity during their youth may experience greater joint wear and tear over the years; however, they tend to recover faster if they require surgery or joint replacements.
“The problem is the joint, not the muscle. When we replace the joint, these types of patients recover much faster because there is already muscle memory,” he noted.
He reiterated that Adopting healthy habits from an early age can make a significant difference in quality of life in later life..“AlejarI know about sugar, stay hydratedwither”Fiber, protein, and minerals, and we’ll be better,” he concluded.
Attentively
“Think and Work”
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Guadalajara, Jalisco, April 7, 2026
Text: Laura Sepúlveda Velázquez
Photo: Courtesy of the Internet
Aldo Argüelles Alegría
Civil Hospital of Guadalajara
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