Years ago, we sat cross-legged to watch TV with ease, but now many of us wince when simply reaching down to the bottom shelf at a supermarket. This discomfort is often felt in our hips, the weight-bearing joints that absorb significant impact from walking, standing, sitting and bending. There are multiple reasons why hips start to hurt in later life, but we don’t have to accept it as part of getting older.
Maintaining hip flexibility can help reduce pain, and performing simple stretches for tight hip flexors is an easy habit to build into your morning or evening routine. However, we need more than stretching for easy movement in later life. Building strength is also important. Weak glutes and an unstable core can worsen hip pain, so strengthening these muscles can help reduce strain on the hip joints and improve alignment.
