Keep on Truckin': Seniors and Mobility
Our quality of life depends
on many factors: social, financial, physical. The later years of our lives
should be a time of recreation, relaxation, and reflection on a life lived
well. As we all know, this kind of experience takes planning.
Besides managing our money,
family and friends, we have to manage our health in order to live this time to
the fullest. Of course, there are any number of health problems that can arise
as we age, and they can affect our
quality of life. One of the greatest challenges we face as seniors is our
battle to remain mobile. Not only is a loss of mobility a blow to one's quality
of life, it may have a snowball affect on your overall health.
Recent studies are linking a
lack of mobility to an increase in other health problems. Researchers are
finding that as seniors become less active, they tend to suffer further health
deterioration that interferes with daily living. In a paper published in the
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, mobility was definitively recognized
as a key factor affecting the Health-Related-Quality-of-Life of older
Americans.
The Lifestyle Interventions
and Independence for Elders Pilot study, consisted of a controlled, randomized
trial of 424 older adults. The study compared the effectiveness of physical versus non-exercise health interventions
with at-risk seniors. Among many fascinating discoveries, the study concluded
that health-interventions targeting mobility could have a much greater impact
on the overall health of seniors than was previously thought. When paired with
past research - that demonstrates that loss of mobility
results in loss of independence, nursing home admission and accelerated
mortality - these new insights demonstrate a direct correlation between
mobility, and the maintenance of quality and quantity of life.
What To Do?
We all know that a rolling
stone gathers no moss. It may be a silly metaphor, but the more active we
remain, the more mobility we maintain. Essentially, exercise allows us to
maintain muscular strength as well as bone-density. Not only do these factors
keep us upright and strong, they can help prevent – and protect us from – the
kind of bone fractures that result from falling in our older years. But what if
you already have compromised mobility?
Perhaps you have already been
affected by a condition that is affecting your mobility. That's no reason why
you can't maximize the mobility you are still capable of. In fact, with a
little dedication and patience, you may even regain some of your lost mobility
in the process.
For many seniors, any loss of
mobility can be demoralizing, and using a walking aid may be a serious blow to
one's vanity and pride. However – as we have shown – loss of mobility leads
directly to more serious health deterioration, and must be minimized as much as
possible. Luckily, there are a number of products available to seniors who may
need an extra hand getting around.
For many seniors, a simple
cane can provide needed stability while also allowing one to maintain their
mobility for years to come. However, canes aren't what they used to be. Devices
like The
Able Tripod Cane are equipped with a
new-and-improved tripod base that gives much more assistance than a standard
cane, while still maintaining the discreet profile of a classic. The same cane
is available in a handsome dress
version that can add a dash of
sophistication to any outing.
Some seniors complain about
the “one-handedness” that results when walking with a cane. How can one shop
for groceries or browse a store with only one hand available to carry goods?
Smart seniors kill two birds with one stone using innovative products like a Transit
Cart, or a Compact
Sit-Down Shopping Cart. Both of these
sturdy, stylish carts insure active, confident mobility as well as convenience
when shopping, gardening, or getting the mail. Instead of feeling “one-handed,”
these formidable four-wheelers actually provide you with an extra pair of
hands, whether you need a hand up, or a hand with the chores.
When it comes to your health, your doctor is one of
your best allies. Always consult your doctor regarding any mobility issue, and
don't forget that the best way to stay active, is to stay mobile!
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