Senior Mobility: Why It Matters and How You Can Support Your Loved One

From the time we are infants, we are itching to be on the move. While you may not remember how it felt to first move independently, most of us have seen the joy on a little one’s face when they experience the thrill of rolling over or taking their first steps—because movement is not just a function; it’s freedom.

But as people age, we often see a decrease in this empowering freedom. In fact, the National Institutes of Health says that 20.6% of adults over age 65 experience mobility disability. As a caregiver, you have the power to limit this loss of freedom for your loved one.

Why Is Mobility in Seniors Important?

The ability to move is often taken for granted. However, maintaining mobility is a key strategy for happy, healthy living.

Experts caution that as a person’s mobility decreases:

• Rates of disease and disability increase.
• Rates of hospitalization and even death increase.
• The affected individual is less likely to live at home.
• The quality of life decreases due to a lack of socialization.
• The quality of life decreases from missing out on the mental health benefits associated with regular movement.

How Do You Know if Mobility Is Affecting Your Loved One’s Quality of Life?

Many factors can lead to challenges with mobility, including balance impairment, decreased physical activity, arthritis, memory challenges, and more. But according to a study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, caregivers can determine the significance of their loved one’s movement challenges with two simple questions:

1. For health or physical reasons, do you have difficulty climbing up 10 steps or walking a quarter of a mile?
2. Because of underlying health or physical reasons, have you modified the way you climb 10 steps or walk a quarter of a mile?

If you are concerned with your loved one’s ability to move, start by asking them these questions. If the answer to either is yes, ask their doctor about implementing a plan to maintain and improve mobility.

How Can Caregivers Support Mobility in Seniors?

The best strategy for limiting mobility challenges is prevention. Experts suggest these well-known tactics:

• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, including a mix of strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular training. Here are five tips for safe and sustainable exercise.
• Monitor mental health and seek professional assistance if your older loved one shows signs of depression.
• Encourage generally healthy habits like following a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and not drinking to excess.

If mobility is already presenting challenges for your older loved one, fear not! There are many ways you can help your loved one maintain an enjoyable quality of life.

Modify Movement With Medical Equipment. Many valuable products on the market can support seniors in safely carrying out daily living tasks:

• Mobility devices, like walkers, scooters, and canes.
• Support devices, such as shower chairs and bed rails.

If you’re considering purchasing medical equipment for your loved one, here are things to consider when choosing each item.

Turn to Technology. Technology isn’t all bad. There are lots of innovations that can help keep seniors safe and on track with the activities of daily living:

• Smartwatches and other wearables can give a heads-up to caregivers in the case of a fall.
• Pill dispensers can be used to manage medication schedules and dosages.
• Bidets can help maintain hygiene for those who struggle with balance and flexibility.
• Sensors can inform caregivers if their older loved one is sedentary for an abnormal amount of time or if a door has been left open.
• Adjustable beds can help with a good night’s rest to support a good day’s activity.

If you think these gadgets could help your older loved one stay mobile, check out this article from AARP for product suggestions.

Focus on Fall Prevention. Falls are a common concern among the aging population (and for good reason). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four older adults reports falling every year. But there are steps you can take to keep your loved one’s steps safe:

• Schedule regular visits with your loved one’s primary care provider to ensure vision, balance, and hearing are functioning normally and that medication usage is effective and appropriate.
• Practice safe ways to fall and get back up.
• Perform a safety assessment of your loved one’s living space to ensure there is no undue risk.

For more information on fall prevention, read about tips to prevent falls or download the Right at Home Fall Prevention Guide.

Open Your Loved One’s Home to an Occupational Therapist. Occupational therapists are fantastic resources for aging adults who want to maintain independent living. Their goal is to support patients in engaging in day-to-day activities with evidence-based practices. They do so by:

• Assessing the home to ensure seniors can safely navigate the space and access the items needed for daily activities.
• Suggesting techniques to make daily activities, like bathing, dressing, and cooking, easier for people with limitations.

Find Help With Right at Home

Right at Home provides a wide range of in-home care services for seniors and adults with disabilities. Our caregivers support older adults who want to age in place but may need a little help to do so safely. Services range from homemaking, such as preparing meals and light housekeeping, to personal care, like mobility assistance and hygiene care.

To find out more about how Right at Home can support your loved one, use our office locator to find the nearest office and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.

Are you interested in receiving frequent information, advice, and tips related to the aging journey? Subscribe to our monthly Caring Right at Home e-newsletter today!