#Mobility

Thai readers increasingly seek non-surgical ways to ease knee pain. Recent guidance points to gentle, low-impact exercise as an effective path to relief and better mobility. Health authorities, therapists, and international experts agree that targeted routines can prevent worsening discomfort and support daily activities.

Knee pain remains a common issue across Thailand, especially among older adults and people with conditions like osteoarthritis. With obesity and an ageing population rising, joint problems are a growing public health concern. In Thai culture, where family caregiving is central and access to advanced medical care can be limited for some, non-drug, home-based strategies are particularly relevant.

New research highlights squats as more than a fitness trend. For Thai readers, the movement connects deeply with daily life—from ground-level dining and rice-field work to traditional squat toilets. While modern office life has reduced our time in this position, experts say reintegrating mindful squatting can support mobility, balance, and independence across the lifespan.

Squatting is a natural resting posture in many Asian communities, where floor-based living remains common. For young Thais, sitting cross-legged and squatting are still seen in rural areas, markets, and temples. In Western countries, these postures are rarer outside gyms, which may contribute to tighter ankles, knees, and hips over time. Health professionals note that prolonged chair-sitting has narrowed ranges of motion and may affect lifelong joint health.

Recent research into the simple act of squatting suggests that this time-honored movement, still common in many Asian cultures and among Thai people, may hold significant benefits for health, mobility, and even longevity, though not without some caveats. The conversation around squatting recently resurfaced in global media, highlighting its cultural roots in Asia and Eastern Europe, and the fact that many people in developed Western countries have lost the ability to comfortably rest in this position due to modern lifestyles dominated by chairs and sedentary workspaces. So, should we all be squatting more, and if so, how can Thais best apply the latest scientific findings to their daily routines?

Thai readers are increasingly seeking ways to manage joint pain without invasive treatments, and recent research is providing promising, practical solutions. A new wave of medical guidance highlights the effectiveness of gentle exercise routines in alleviating sore knees, a common complaint among the Thai population as the country faces an ageing society and sedentary lifestyles. Health authorities, physical therapists, and international experts all point to targeted, low-impact exercises as key to both relief and prevention of knee discomfort.

As we advance in years, maintaining mobility often becomes a challenge. However, the latest research by Dr. Kelly Starrett, a physical therapist with a background in athletics, suggests that it need not be an inevitability of aging. His insights, recently discussed on CNN, highlight practical strategies that older adults can employ to retain and even enhance their flexibility and independence.

Starrett emphasizes the misconception that reduced range of motion is an unavoidable consequence of aging. Instead, he proposes that efforts should focus on maintaining and regaining one’s natural range of motion. The couple’s recent book, “Built To Move: The 10 Essential Habits To Help You Move Freely and Live Fully,” coauthored with Juliet Starrett, outlines simple yet effective practices that can be integrated into daily routines without overwhelming time commitments.

Aging doesn’t have to mean losing independence. New insights from a prominent physical therapy expert emphasize simple, daily strategies to preserve and even improve mobility. The discussion, highlighted by CNN, focuses on practical steps that older adults can adopt to maintain flexibility and quality of life.

The expert rejects the idea that reduced range of motion is an inevitable part of aging. Instead, the focus should be on preserving one’s natural movement range. The accompanying book, Built To Move, coauthored with a partner, outlines easy practices that fit into everyday life without demanding major time commitments.

A recent edition of the Chasing Life podcast, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, spotlighted mobility as a core pillar of health. The show features Dr. Kelly Starrett, a leading advocate in the mobility movement, urging people to weave movement into daily routines to boost longevity. According to research summarized on the program, mobility goes beyond traditional workouts to support lasting well-being.

For Thai readers juggling busy schedules and family commitments, incorporating mobility can be a practical, high-impact habit. Simple actions—like opting to sit on the floor while watching television—can improve joint health and normalize frequent movement, a point emphasized by Dr. Starrett.

In a recent episode of the “Chasing Life” podcast, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the focus was on the often overlooked but critical aspect of fitness: mobility. The episode highlighted the expertise of Dr. Kelly Starrett, a leading voice in the mobility movement, who advocates for incorporating movement into daily routines as a key to longevity and overall well-being (CNN Audio).

The podcast delves into how movement, beyond traditional strength and cardio exercises, can be integral to living a long and healthy life. For Thai listeners, who may juggle busy schedules and family responsibilities, finding time to incorporate mobility can be a manageable change with profound impacts. Sitting on the floor while watching TV, for instance, is a simple way to improve joint health and make daily movement natural again, according to Dr. Starrett.