5 Steps for Seniors to Take When Struggling with Mobility

Mobility issues are often an unfortunate downside of aging, affecting a person’s quality of life, independence, and mental health.

If you struggle to open everyday items, experience walking difficulties, or find it hard to stand up from a chair, you might need to seek medical treatment or daily support.

If you don’t, you could experience a serious fall that could affect your health and safety.

Don’t allow pride to stand in the way of your wellbeing. Read these five steps for seniors to take when struggling with mobility.

Step 1: Talk to Your Doctor

Talking to a doctor is the first step you must take when struggling with poor mobility, as they could improve your health.For example, if you have a balance issue, it could stem from a joint problem, an inner ear infection, or nerve damage. If so, you could receive an effective, simple treatment to help restore your balance and quality of life.

As we age, the body’s core parts like the knees, hips and joints start becoming weaker. If you are not being able to walk, you need to talk to your doctor and he or she might suggest that you should go for a knee replacement surgery to help with your mobility. Unlike yesteryears, this is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that can go a long way in allowing you to walk and be independent even at a very advanced age. 

Step 2: Use Mobility Aids

If your mobility issue stems from a long-term medical condition, various mobility aids can help you move inside and outside the home with ease.

For example, you could use:

• A walking stick
• Wheelchair
• Mobility scooter
• Stairlift
• Grab bars by a bath, shower, or bed

Step 3: Make Changes to Your Home

Next, you must aim to remove any clutter and trip hazards around the home, as loose objects can lead to an unwanted slip or fall in the home. Plus, too many belongings can make it difficult to find items in different rooms, which might add to your pain and discomfort.

Therefore, you must secure carpets and rugs in rooms, throw away or donate items you no longer use and improve your home’s lighting to easily move from A to B.

Also, you may need to install a raised toilet to maintain independence when using the bathroom or install a ramp to make it easier to enter and exit your home.

Step 4: Consider Additional Support

Suppose your mobility is starting to decline, and you can no longer perform everyday activities. In that case, you might need to request additional support, such as help from a loved one or an assisted living community.

While the loss of independence might be difficult to accept, extra help and support can improve your quality of life each day.

If you would prefer medical professionals to help you each day, research various assisted living communities to make the correct choice for your needs and personality.

A little research will ensure you live a happy and full life in your new home. Remember, healthy choices and lifestyle options are important when choosing a senior living or assisted living community.

According to Brightview, a Baltimore assisted living community, questions you should ask include, “Are there multiple menu options for each meal of the day?” and“Is there a calendar of events accessible to you?”

Step 5: Stretch and Exercise Daily

Improve or maintain your range of motion by stretching and exercising daily.

It can help keep your muscles remain strong and mobile, which can help you perform everyday activities, move with ease, and reduce any associated pain.

If you’re unsure about the best exercise for your health, ask your doctor for advice and recommendations.