Community Update (6/1/26)

Also of Interest

Aging Matters Radio and TV

Aging Matters radio is a weekly podcast, hosted by Cheryl Beversdorf, and features interviews with experts on topics impacting the lives of older adults, their care partners, and families. Every Tuesday at 3 pm, a new Aging Matters broadcast is posted  on Apple, Spotify and RedCircle podcast sites. Aging Matters TV Show offers interviews with aging experts, including demonstrations of aging related subjects. Stories of Life programs feature interviews with older adults who have made a difference in their communities.

Is “Dead Butt Syndrome” A Real Thing?

By Joan M Smith

Recently I keep seeing references to “dead butt syndrome,” and my curiosity drove me to research this for veracity. And to my surprise, I found that it is not only real, but super important for all of us to recognize.

The Healthline online newsletter defines this syndrome, or DBS, clinically known as “gluteal amnesia” or “gluteus medius tendinopathy,” as symptoms where you develop a condition where your glute muscles “forget” how to fire and thus stabilize the pelvis to keep the body in proper alignment. This is usually due to prolonged sitting and inactivity. Think of your “butt” or sit muscles (gluteal muscles) after an hour sitting at your computer, and you get the idea—numb rear, sore, perhaps tingling. Problem is, this muscle group can trigger lower back pain, hip and knee pain, as well as outer thigh pain.

So, how does this happen?  Lengthy sitting is a primary cause, but also slouching, and general inactivity, even if you exercise at other times! With prolonged sitting the gluteal muscles tend to lengthen, and the hip muscles tighten. The hip muscles run from the lower back, through the pelvis and across the front of the thigh; they are responsible for moving your legs to walk, run, stand from sitting, and climb stairs.

The Cleveland Clinic online newsletter admonishes us to “Save Your Buns!”, and their Dr. Andrew Bang, a chiropractor, channels Richard Simons (remember him?) who always instructed TV viewers to “squeeze your buns”.  Many of you women may have learned Kegel exercises for vaginal childbirth recovery, as well as for bladder leakage problems, and men may have learned the “bun squeeze” for strength and stability while working out in the gym.

The New York Times in 2025 referred to “sitting is the new smoking” catch phrase, citing research that ties lengthy sitting to higher risks for chronic diseases (yep, again, heart disease and diabetes). A common suggestion for when lengthy computer work is required, is to use an adjustable computer desk, and alternate sitting and standing.

In the March 3, 2026 issue of The New York Times, a headline claimed “This muscle is the unsung hero of longevity”, and that “building your butt muscles will help you stay injury-free and independent” (Hilary Achauer). Ms. Achauer reminds us of the 1980’s workout titled “Buns of Steel”, and that a “powerful posterior isn’t just about looking good in jeans”. She points out that glutes can help reduce the risk of falling, which is a priority to aging well! She suggests exercises such as monster walks, donkey kickbacks, and using the hip abduction machine (pushing out) at the gym.

What to do to prevent DBS?  Well, engaging your gluteal muscles frequently throughout the day is key! This may involve standing up and walking around your desk every 30 minutes or so, doing lunges (hold for 2 minutes if you can), stretching, or squats. If you are physically able, doing yoga “bridges”, standing on one leg (while firming the other glute), and side leg raises (while standing on other leg, holding onto a chair or table) for several repetitions, and again, doing these throughout the day. Don’t exercise aggressively for one hour and expect that will hold you for the rest of the day!  “Frequent” is the important word here.

And, don’t overlook posture. Correcting posture as you stand, sit, and walk helps to more evenly distribute your body weight, and makes it easier to engage the glutes.  After all, we all want to be as stable as pedestrians as we can, for as long as we can.

Occasional Diary from the Independent Living Village:

To piggyback on today’s above topic, I want to share that I do water aerobics and yoga classes here through the local fitness program. Uncanny how many times during both types of exercise we are instructed to “engage the navel” (your core), and “tighten the glutes”.  Almost every movement that addresses lower body and legs involves this motion. Now I understand how very important this movement is! And since I know I can do this even while sitting (say, in a car, when you cannot stand up), brushing my teeth (while on one leg), and set phone reminders to get up for breaks when watching TV, I am doing it more than ever.  No DBS for me!

What to Watch or Read

Here are TV shows, movies, or books recommended by ANV members and volunteers. Enjoy!

           Books

Circle of Days, Ken Follett – fictional account of the development of Stonehenge

The Irish Lake House by Colleen Coleman (fiction/romance)

Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson (fiction/mystery)

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

You Must Be New Here by Katie Sise (Suspense)

A Good Family by Matt Goldman (Thriller)

The Dangers of an Ordinary Night by Lynne Reeves (Suspense)

Last One Seen by Rebecca Kanner (Thriller)

Strangers by Belle Burden (nonfiction)

To Rescue the American Spirit: Teddy Roosevelt and the Birth of a Superpower

           TV

The Burroughs – Netflix (spooky retirement community in the desert)

Biblio+. The Arlington Library has free and unlimited access to groundbreaking film and captivating television. All you need is a library card and you can stream on any device, including the Roku stick. Visit https://biblioplus.com/  

Please share your recommendations for TV shows, films, or books with us for the next issue by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org.

Complimentary membership in Arlington’s 55+ Program is available as an ANV membership benefit. If you haven’t yet opted-in and would like to do so, contact our Member Services Director at 703-509-8057. 55+ Program offerings are posted in the quarterly catalogue available online.