Mobility is something that we take for granted until we are injured or unwell and can’t move around easily. It lets you painlessly undertake the everyday tasks that make you independent.

Mobility is a combination of muscle strength, bone strength, joint function plus other factors. When all of these function correctly together, we can move through our daily lives easily & comfortably. To optimise mobility we need the right nutrition & physical activity.

Children

Healthy bones are a cornerstone of mobility. Bones provide structure and shape to our bodies, they protect some of our organs, they store minerals, and they enable us to produce blood cells.

Bone primarily develops during childhood and adolescence. Dairy products are a natural source of many essential nutrients that support bone health, particularly protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Consuming milk and dairy products, helps maximise bone development during childhood and adolescence. Bone density peaks in early adulthood, so adolescence is just as integral as childhood when it comes to the importance of a nutritious diet and healthy patterns of activity.

Adulthood

As an adult, maintaining a strong, well-functioning body is a key component of overall health – and improves our quality of life. Mobility allows us to lead rich and varied lives, participating in a wider range of activities and pastimes. 

Muscular strength is essential for mobility and protein is vital for muscle growth and maintenance. Stronger muscles increase our flexibility and range of motion. They help us move without tiring easily and reduce our risk of injury. 

Milk is a source of high-quality protein, with one component of dairy protein called whey a well-established supplement for supporting muscle growth.

Older Age

Being active and mobile beyond the age of 60 is a sign of good overall health, and there is plenty that can be done to support mobility as we age. Regular exercise has meaningful benefits, and diet also makes a crucial contribution.

Once again, dairy products have a role to play in supporting mobility. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, and it is well known to be a critical factor in the loss of strength and mobility as we age. Between the ages of 20 and 80 years, our muscle mass typically decreases by around 30%.

Because of their positive impact on muscle maintenance, dairy products are associated with lower risks of sarcopenia, better muscle mass in older adults and faster recovery from hospitalisation.

Osteoporosis can also affect older adults. It is a bone disease that occurs when the total amount of bone declines and the bones become more fragile – leaving them prone to fracture. Because dairy product consumption helps increase peak bone mass when we are young, it helps support a lower risk of osteoporosis and stronger bones as we age. Strong bones and muscles help us retain our agility into our senior years.