One common concern as people age is that they’ll struggle to maintain their mobility and independence, and that they might have to adopt a mobility aid to do so. Having to accept the support offered by a cane or rollator walker is often thought of as a sign of weakness or concession, so aging people might be inclined to push them away at first.
However, using a mobility aid can actually help a person to stay mobile and maintain their health as they age. Regular physical activity has significant benefits for people of all ages, especially those who are reaching senior citizen status. Whether the goal is to simply move around the home or to be able to get outside for walks, regular movement is the key to maintaining mobility and independence.
Mobility is the key to independence
At Xlent Care Products, we’re all about helping clients achieve greater mobility – despite age or mobility restrictions. Our all-terrain, “go everywhere” rollators have provided users levels of freedom they previously thought unimaginable. Believe it – then do it!
Adults who struggle to move around freely are at risk for a number of different health issues as well as the potential that they will be unable to live by themselves. The ability to move around is an essential one when it comes to taking care of yourself. If someone is unable to get themselves to the bathroom as needed or navigate around their kitchen for meals, it likely isn’t safe for them to be living alone.
Making an effort to maintain or improve mobility as they age is going to be a key factor in maintaining freedom and independence. Adults who don’t maintain their mobility are at a greater risk of developing diseases and disabilities that may lead to hospitalization, and tend to have a poorer quality of life overall.
Mobility improves overall health
While it’s common for people to slow down and become less active with age, there are many benefits to maintaining as much activity as one can handle each day. A routine that incorporates and promotes mobility has been shown to improve overall health in many ways, including:
- Naturally boosts your energy by releasing endorphins
- Maintains and improves the strength of your heart and improves blood pressure
- Helps you to manage symptoms of illness or pain
- Maintains and improves metabolism, leading to the maintenance of a healthy weight
- Improves immune system and digestive function
- Promotes better bone density
- Lowers the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers
- Increases flexibility, coordination and balance, reducing the risk of falls
- Improves posture, leading to a possible reduction in body pain and aches
- Improves quality of sleep
- Encourages brain health including prevention of memory loss, dementia and other signs of cognitive decline
Spending time outdoors is good for your mental health
Aging can bring along with it a whole host of stressors and concerns, so there is significant value in seeking out ways to destress and boost moods. One easy step towards positive mental health is to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a walk alone or with friends, sitting on a park bench and enjoying the sights or taking yoga in a local park, any time spent outside has been shown to have significant benefits on both mental and physical health.
The endorphins released during exercise help to reduce feelings of depression, stress, anxiety and sadness and can be felt almost immediately upon heading outdoors. This can translate into a reduction of insomnia, headaches, indigestion and muscle tension.
Mobility aids make physical activity easier
Although maintaining a regular schedule of physical activity can feel intimidating or pointless many days, using a mobility aid like a rollator walker or a cane can make all the difference. Further, accessories for rollators – from water bottle to oxygen tank holders can further assist range. Knowing that they have support right in the palm of their hand can help ward off fears and concerns. A rollator walker is the perfect option for someone that struggles to stay active. The built-in seat offers the comfort of being able to sit for a break at a moment’s notice, while the hand brakes ensure that the walker won’t take on a mind of its own.
Although growing older can be a stressful time both physically and mentally, making the time for some exercise, especially outdoors, can help make the transition a smoother one for everyone involved. Encouraging the use of a rollator walker can help a senior to feel confident and motivated to maintain a regular activity schedule, and to get outside as often as they can.
