Mobility Guide

5 Ways To Manage Mobility Problems In Older Adults

With age, many changes occur in and around a person. Coping with these changes may be difficult. One of the many challenges is the inability to move around. Mobility problems associated with aging may include difficulty walking, getting in and out of bed or bathtub, painful sensations, proneness to falls, and injuries.   

Common causes of mobility problems in older adults  

Many health conditions can contribute to mobility issues in the elderly. Some older adults are also diagnosed with episodic mobility issues due to weak joints. It is a health condition that can lead to instability while walking or difficulty balancing, but only occasionally.   

Some other common causes of mobility issues in older people -   

• Arthritis  
• Weakness in muscles and joints  
• Balance issues  
• Chronic Pain  
• Vision or hearing impairment  
• Medication reactions  
• Progressive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease  

If you are someone caring for an aging loved one with limited mobility problems, here are five tips that can help deal with mobility issues in the elderly.   

5 Ways to Deal with Mobility Problems  

1. Help them stay active  

Mobility problems can lead to inactivity. It often stems from the fear of falling and getting hurt. As a caregiver, you should start by talking to your loved one and create an exercise plan with the help of their physical therapist or doctor.   

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults 65 and older require at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity to help them keep themselves moving and maintain their balance and flexibility.   

Here are some exercises you should include in the plan. 

Brisk Walking  

Start with whatever speed and distance you are comfortable walking and gradually increase the distance and speed. It improves bone, muscles, and joint health, enhances blood circulation, strengthens the heart and lungs, aids with better digestion and bowel movement, and calms the mind.   

Resistance Exercises  

Add exercises such as shoulder shrugs, squats, and leg press. These exercises build strength and improve flexibility. You can also buy resistance bands and dumbbells for a more intense workout.   

2. Try mobility devices  

If your loved one finds it hard to walk long distances, investing in mobility devices such as a walker or a cane can help. Many health conditions, such as arthritis, stroke, osteoporosis, or hip fracture, can lead to mobility problems.   

Using a walker or cane may seem daunting initially and may need your help. However, over time, it becomes easier. Additionally, these mobility devices help make travel for seniors with mobility issues more fulfilling and fun.   

3. Use assistive aids for daily tasks 

Older adults who experience age-related physical limited mobility are likelier to experience low self-esteem. The inability to perform daily tasks by themselves may weigh heavy on their confidence.  

Assistive aids such as dressing aids, bathing aids, and adaptive kitchen utensils can help them carry out daily chores on their own and help them stay active and cheerful.   

4. Pay attention to home safety 

Statistically speaking, every year, more than 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. As a person ages, balance and strength diminish drastically, and incidences of tumbling or tripping over things become more frequent. Make the house safer to prevent dangerous falls.   

Here is what you can do to keep your loved one safe - 

• Add better lighting to places such as bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen  
• Install bath safety products such as grab bars, toilet seat risers, and bath lifts  
• Consider buying an adjustable or reclining bed and bed rails to avoid falls from the bed.   
• Remove loose rugs and use non-skid bathmat  
• Installing a fall alert system is also a good idea.   

5. Talk to professionals  

Monitor their progress and discuss their accomplishments and challenges with their doctor or physical therapist. Many mobility problems get worse with time; timely diagnosis and treatment plans are essential to manage mobility issues in older adults.   

Consult with a doctor if the person experiences a hard fall or loses consciousness after falling. It can be a result of diabetes, heart attack, or stroke. If they complain about experiencing excruciating pain, especially in the hip, groin, or pelvic area, may mean a fracture and demand immediate medical attention.   

Where can I buy products to help manage mobility problems?  

HPFY has been your health and wellness partner since 2002. We carry various products to help you manage mobility issues in older adults.   

Our catalog includes best-in-line bath safety products, daily living aids, fall protection and prevention devices, and more. Explore today to find the best pick to keep your loved ones safe as they age.   

 

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