HELP—I Can’t Get Off the Toilet!

Why do so many aging adults end up in assisted-living facilities? As blunt as it sounds, the answer is right there in the name: they need assistance. And one of the most common reasons is losing the ability to get up and down—yes, even from the toilet.

It might sound uncomfortable or even a little crass, but it’s very real.

At the core, assisted living usually comes down to a loss of independence. As people age, basic movement becomes harder. Many adults retire, become less active, and have fewer reasons to get up and move throughout the day. More sitting leads to weaker muscles, and over time those muscles begin to atrophy.

That’s why staying active as we age is so important. Exercise isn’t about looking a certain way—it’s about preserving independence for as long as possible. It’s about being able to take care of yourself… and not needing your kids (or someone else) to do it for you.

The truth is, the exercise needs of aging adults differ by degree, not kind. Standing up from the toilet? That’s an air squat. Getting up after a fall? That’s essentially a burpee. Carrying groceries in from the car? That’s a farmer’s carry.

Our older athletes may not be chasing PRs or gym records, but they can do modified versions of the same movements as everyone else. A good coach knows how to scale appropriately. Intensity is always relative—range of motion and movement goals stay the same.

Strength training is especially critical as we age because it helps prevent and even reverse osteoporosis. Low bone density makes even small slips dangerous. Lifting weights builds stronger bones and significantly reduces the risk of serious injury.

Group fitness may or may not be the right fit for every aging adult. At Norman Strength & Conditioning, we have plenty of 50+ athletes who thrive in classes. Others start with personal training. What matters most is that they’re moving and staying active.

I’m not an elite athlete. I’m not winning competitions or breaking records. I joke about that all the time. That’s not why I train.

I work out so I can stay independent for as long as possible—and so I never find myself stuck on the toilet.

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