Improving Mobility in the Elderly

 

People who age face many challenges. As we get older, our mobility can become compromised in several ways. We may experience a decline in physical ability and the ability to perform day-to-day tasks; a loss of memory and cognitive functions; or changes in body chemistry that lead to falling more frequently as we age. Mobility difficulties are common for seniors, with one third of people over the age of 70 having some mobility problems. In addition to being harder to detect, mobility problems are often untreated due to a variety of reasons.

Finding the right combination of exercise and lifestyle modifications can help older adults increase mobility and stay more socially engaged with their family and friends. In this article, nursing home owner Ephraim Zagelbaum explains what you should know about limited mobility for seniors and tips to keep active.

 

Participate in Daily Exercise

Studies show that a combination of daily exercise and a healthy diet can help improve mobility for people over the age of 65. Regular exercises such as walking and standing up can improve balance and reduce the risk of developing disabilities such as muscle spasticity and balance problems. People who participate in physical activity regularly can reduce the likelihood of experiencing cognitive changes associated with aging. Regular exercise not only keeps your body fit and strong, it can also decrease your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol.

If you are planning to start a physical fitness routine, Ephraim Zagelbaum recommends consulting a physician first to ensure the activity is safe for you. Even a simple walk around the neighborhood can be challenging. Stretching and warming up properly beforehand will help prevent injuries and maximize physical benefits. Additionally, it is important to wear shoes with adequate support and clothing that is comfortable and fits properly. For seniors with mobility issues, low-impact activities offer many health benefits.

 

Monitor Diet and Weight

Making healthy diet choices and not going overboard on the calories consumed is important for people of all ages. As we get older, eating a healthy diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates helps prevent constipation, which can lead to reduced mobility. Unfortunately, many seniors end up eating too many calories and gaining weight. This is often due to a poor diet and an increase in body-fat as a result of a declining metabolism. People who want to prevent becoming obese should consider eating a high-fiber diet, consuming light or moderate exercise, and avoiding rich, fatty foods.

For people with mobility issues and those already experiencing restricted motion, a protein-rich diet is recommended. Leg movement can be restricted by certain health conditions, such as obesity, which places a greater strain on the joints. The key to staying mobile as you age is to maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise and monitoring existing health issues, such as diabetes, are necessary in addition to diet.

As the Founder and CEO at Personal Healthcare, Ephraim Zagelbaum understands the impact diet and exercise can have on senior health outcomes. He emphasizes these factors through Personal Healthcare's long-term care services and therapeutic recreation activities.

 

Benefits of Nursing Home Living and Active Retirement

Many people who spend their later years in a nursing home or an assisted living facility are reluctant to give up their active lifestyles. A good way to ease someone’s fears is to explain that they must continue to take care of themselves during their retirement years. Typically, active people who go into nursing home care can lose most of their physical abilities as they age. This can be a scary thought for people who want to continue to enjoy activities that they enjoy. Fortunately, there are a number of factors that can help reduce the effects of aging on mobility. All people over the age of 65 should consider participating in a physical activity program when they are placed in a nursing home.

 

Bottom line

For seniors, physical activity is important, but safe and functional mobility involves more than exercise. A nursing home or assisted living facility can offer seniors the benefits of living independently, while also providing the resources and support necessary to stay active and move around safely without risking serious injury or social isolation when living alone or at home is no longer an option.

Increasing mobility and staying active are important factors for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of seniors. It is important for older adults to understand stretching exercises, as well as safe, low-impact activities, in order to determine what kind of physical activity is best for them. As a result, nursing homes may help seniors maintain healthy mobility and get the exercise they need.