We don’t necessarily like being so blunt, but sometimes the truth is best served straight up. The older we get, the more difficulty we have with mobility. Now, we’re aware that this isn’t groundbreaking news. However, it must be offered up as a reminder that older adults quite often contend with mobility issues. As a result, none of us should neglect the fact that the elderly loved ones in our lives need help safely getting around.
What can be done to help seniors with their mobility issues?
Engage in light exercise.
Everyone knows that exercise keeps us healthy. It lowers weight and helps to maintain good heart health. However, daily exercise is also a necessary part of keeping seniors strong and mobile. Naturally, older adults are encouraged to engage in light exercise. No heavy lifting is necessary. As Sandyside Senior Living points out, a little bit goes a long way in staying active.
To increase mobility, their website recommends that seniors use the stairs regularly and park further away from destinations to get in some quick walks. As well, older adults are encouraged to walk to nearby shops and neighbours’ homes instead of driving.
Set up daily squat time.
Squats are simple exercises that simply require bending at the knees to a semi-seated position. Now, we realize this exercise may not be so simple for every senior. However, if your elderly loved one can produce a few squats a day, it will work wonders in bolstering his/her balance. Active Health points out that squats don’t require any equipment, but it’s important to monitor your form.
“To keep your back straight as you squat, you can hold your arms out in front of you,” informs their website, “Another variation of the squat is to start from a sitting position in a chair and to slowly get up, with your arms held out parallel to the ground and not gripping anything for support.”
Eat healthy foods.
No matter your age, eating a nutritious diet is a life necessity. However, that goes double for seniors. Because we experience diminished strength as we age, it’s especially hard for older adults to be mobile when they are heavy. As Sandyside Senior Living reminds us, mobility depends on having strong legs.
“Certain conditions like obesity can weaken your legs to the point of immobility,” says their website, “That’s why maintaining a healthy weight is essential for continued mobility during elderly years.”
Access your community with a mobility scooter.
A mobility scooter is a cost-effective alternative to an electric wheelchair. Its primary use is for a user who needs assistance traveling longer distances. That user, however, isn’t as dependent for mobility as a wheelchair user would be. A mobility scooter can have three or four wheels, a place for the driver to rest their feet and a steering column to control the turning and direction of the scooter.
To learn more about the mobility scooters offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
