When we talk about the need for flexibility, most of the time we mean not being too rigid in your thinking or ways of doing things. But literal bodily flexibility is very important too, especially as we age, as Harvard Health explains:

Lack of flexibility can increase your risk of strains and other injuries, and add difficulty to everyday movements like reaching a high shelf, twisting to look behind you in the car, raising your arms overhead, walking up stairs, or squatting or bending to pick up something. …

Stretching is the best way to improve flexibility. “You should stretch every day,” says Dr. Lauren Elson. “It should be like brushing your teeth. Stretch after a workout or walk, after a hot shower, or as a break from a long period of sitting. You can do a complete routine in about five to 10 minutes.”

Harvard Health recommends four stretches that will target key areas and can be performed daily. “The good news,” the post notes, “is that it’s never too late to slow or even reverse the loss of flexibility.”