Most people who visit physiotherapist Will Harlow’s clinic in Surrey are experiencing joint pain in their back, knees and hips. He has been a physio for eight years, specialising in the over-fifties, and has recently been seeing more patients wanting help for decreased muscle mass, or getting out of breath – key signs that they could be ageing badly.
“Ageing well is maintaining the ability to do what you want when you want for as long as you want without needing help from someone else. That really is the premise of independence,” says Harlow, the author of Independence for Life. “Everyone is talking about longevity and trying to live longer but what’s the point in living longer if the last decade is painful and you’re reliant on people?”
Through his clinic and YouTube videos, which are subscribed to by 1.7 million people, he’s helped thousands of retirees maintain their independence. “I’ve seen people over 50 served badly by the NHS. So many come to me and say they’ve been told their pain is due to age and there’s nothing that can be done. I knew that if they had the right strategies, they can often get better, stronger and move easier.”
Here, he shares his ultimate tips for ageing well, the signs to look out for, and the habits to avoid that have seen his clients come off their crutches and gain strength and mobility.
