As we age, it’s common to find that activities such as shopping, cleaning and even walking become more difficult due to decreased mobility. This can be a frustrating time, sometimes eliciting a feeling of hopelessness.
This feeling is amplified in homes with multiple floors, as stairs become a challenging task. Stannah stairlifts and homelifts act as mobility aids that are designed to help you move around your home safely and securely.
Commit yourself to staying active – It’s important to stay moving and keep your body active. The more active you are, the less likely you are to lose mobility. You can read through the NHS physical activities guidelines to see what type of physical activity matches your age and preferences.
Exercise to Maintain Strength – As you age, exercise will become extremely important in living in a healthy and mobile life. You don’t have to work out in excess. A few light workouts a week will help build strength and keep your body limber. Most local public swimming pools will run a seniors aqua aerobics class for those who struggle with weight-bearing exercise.
Focus on your balance – Mobility requires balance. It is important to put extra focus on finding your balance and working to improve it.
Take advantage of walking aids – Don’t hesitate to use a walking aid or mobility aid such a cane or a walker. These aids were designed to ensure you can remain independently mobile.
Make Changes to Your Living Space – Adding additional railings in or outside your home, as well as ramps at the entranceway, will help decrease stress on your body and reduce the risk of injury.
Challenge Yourself – As mentioned before, remaining active is a key factor in improving mobility. A great way to achieve this is by doing little things around the house by yourself as opposed to hiring someone to do it for you.
Wear Properly Sized Comfortable Shoes – Cheap shoes with no tread can hinder the ability of even the most active people. Investing in a pair of comfortable shoes that fit correctly can play a key role in increasing your mobility. Brands like Homyped, Dr. Comfort, and Hush Puppies are popular choices.
Eat Healthy – Decreased energy levels are a natural part of the aging process. A healthy diet can help offset this depletion by providing energy to get you through the day and assist you in remaining active. That means plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, and lean proteins.
Focus on Preventing Falls – Take every precaution to avoid falls. Remove clutter from your home and take extra time to move from place to place. Accidents cause injuries, and injuries reduce mobility.
Take Care of Your Vision – Go to vision check-ups often and keep your glasses prescription up-to-date. Eat foods that help conserve vision (i.e. carrots, eggs and almonds). The ability to see will protect you from falling and other accidents that can hinder your mobility.
Know your Boundaries – Don’t risk your mobility for activities you are unfamiliar with. When exercising, take it slow until you are comfortable and understand how your body is reacting. Do not participate in an activity that your doctor has not cleared you for.
Remember That Age is Just a Number – Don’t prevent yourself from partaking in an activity just because you are older. Getting old does not automatically make you less capable. Don’t let your age affect your mind. Stay active and healthy and you can conquer the effects of aging.
