Aging is one of the biggest frustrations that we all have to deal with eventually. Unfortunately, it comes with a lot of health and safety concerns, especially if you are living at home.
Older adults that have a hard time getting around have a higher chance of getting injured or developing health problems. Sadly, the prevalence of mobility limitation increases as you get older. Around 35% of people over 70 and the majority of people over age 85 have mobility issues.
We are going to see the problems caused by mobility challenges in older adults even more in the near future. The population of people over 65 is expected to more than double over the next 40 years. There will be 80 million older adults by 2040.
Therefore, we need to do more to help seniors with mobility problems. You can start by following some of the tips below. We also have some other articles like this that are worth looking at.
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Make Modifications to Make the Home More Accessible
One of the most important things that seniors can do to stay healthy and maintain their independence is to make changes to their home. These changes can make a big difference:
- Make sure that the right toilet is used to help seniors use the restroom. An electric raised toilet can be great for seniors that need to use the facilities more comfortably.
- Install Bars and Railings that aging adults can hold onto. If you put grab bars in bathrooms and staircases, then you can improve stability and reduce the risk of falling.
- Get rid of anything people can trip over. You may want to remove any loose rugs, clutter, and uneven flooring that could lead to accidents.
- Get better lighting to improve visibility. You will want to make sure that there is good lighting in the home. This makes it easier for seniors to get around their homes without falling or banging into things.
- Consider getting stair lifts or ramps. These are very important for anyone living above the ground floor. They make it easier for older adults to move between floors without a problem.
- Make sure furniture is out of the way of walkers and wheelchairs. You want to place furniture out of the way so that there are wide, clear paths for walkers or wheelchairs.
You will have a lower risk of getting injured if you follow these steps.
Use Technology that Makes it Easier to Move
Here is some technology and equipment that can improve mobility and safety:
Walker, scooters, wheelchairs and canes can help older adults stay balanced and make it less likely that they will fall. Anyone that is having a hard time standing up should consider them.
Older adults should also consider using wearable devices that can tell if someone has fallen, which helps emergency support services provide help. They should also have emergency call buttons.
Smart home devices can also help seniors live comfortably on their own. They can turn lights on and off lights and adjust thermostats.
Take the Right Steps to Stay Physically Healthy
While technology can be very helpful, older adults also need to take the right steps to prioritize their own health. Here are some important things that they should consider:
- Get plenty of exercise. Seniors should consider physical activities like chair yoga, stretching, or tai chi to improve strength and flexibility. It is important not to do anything too intense, since that can lead to a higher risk of getting injured.
- Consider getting physical therapy. Older adults can work with a physical therapist to improve their mobility.
- Follow a balanced diet. Proper nutrition is very important for seniors, so they can improve their bone and muscle health. This reduces the risk of falls.
- Drink plenty of water. Older adults are at higher risks of dehydration, so they should drink plenty of water to maintain energy levels and avoid feeling dizzy or falling.
These lifestyle changes are essential for living a healthy lifestyle.
Find Loved Ones that Are Willing to Help Out
Seniors who feel connected with their community and loved ones often have improved mental and physical health:
- Family and Friends: Regular check-ins provide emotional support and make sure someone knows how any mobility challenges are affecting the individual.
- Home Care Services: This would make quite a difference, hiring a caregiver for cooking, cleaning, or personal care.
- Community Resources: A number of communities are providing transportation services, exercises, or even social gatherings for seniors.
These social support systems can be very helpful for seniors trying to stay healthy.
Seniors with Mobility Challenges Can Stay Healthy by Taking the Right Steps
Limited mobility should not make life miserable for seniors to stay comfortably and independently in their home. By making considerate modifications to their surroundings, utilizing assistive aids appropriately, keeping physically healthy, and having a very good support system, they would be able to safely age in place with ease. And with the right approach, we can ensure those golden years are both safe and enriching.