As a senior’s mobility becomes reduced due to age, illness or health event, they might find themselves struggling to find some activities to occupy their time. The ones they used to enjoy may be more difficult to do, and coming up with ideas for new ones that can be done even with limited mobility may be intimidating. However, there are so many activities that can be incorporated in a healthy and fulfilling life!

7 great activities for seniors with limited mobility

Reduced mobility shouldn’t be something that gets in the way of seniors doing things they enjoy. Even if getting around involves a rollator walker or cane, there are many great activities that they can take part in!

No matter the activity, most seniors and people with mobility challenges can enjoy more life has to offer with an all-terrain rollator walker. Folding, lightweight and with seat built in plus add-on accessories, there’s only one Volaris for quality and all-terrain capabilities!

1. Pick up a new book

Reading is a great way for seniors to spend their time. Whether they are reading fiction or non-fiction, reading regularly has many positive effects, especially related to brain health. Reading can improve memory function, improve sleep, reduce stress and maintain brain engagement which can help delay cognitive decline. Taking a good book and strolling a park to a favorite bench is next-level relaxing. If getting there walking is a challenge, use an all terrain mobility rollator walker.

Reading alone, listening to audiobooks or taking part in a book club are all great ways to incorporate reading into their daily activities.

2. Take up gardening

For someone that loves being outdoors, gardening is the perfect pastime. Even if physical strength and agility are lacking there are a number of ways that a senior can indulge their love of the outdoors with gardening. From planting flowers in small balcony-sized pots to creating a vegetable garden, there are many opportunities for a senior, even if they require some mobility support. Spending time outside is great for a senior’s health and helps stimulate their senses, not to mention the satisfaction that comes with seeing the fruits of their efforts!

3. Exercise

Even if a senior isn’t very mobile and needs support to get around, there are many ways that exercise can be incorporated in their life. Going for a walk with a friend, doing chair exercises, taking a water aerobics class or learning yoga are all low impact and high reward activities that will get the heart pumping and feel-good endorphins flowing.

4. Spend time in the kitchen

Even if a senior doesn’t have too many kitchen skills, learning how to cook or bake is a fun activity that anyone can enjoy. For those who are new to the kitchen, there are many simple recipes that can be a great place to start. Seniors who are well practiced can set a goal to learn a new recipe, or even create one themselves.

5. Get in touch with their creative side

Painting, drawing, colouring, working with clay, playing with beads or even scrapbooking or making a photo album are fun ways to tap into creativity and encourage mental stimulation. Being creative is a great way to encourage socialization and strengthen bonds with friends and family. It can also help decrease negative emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve medical outcomes in those dealing with health issues or chronic illness.

6. Play some games

From board games to card games, playing a game with friends is always fun. Putting together a puzzle, doing a crossword puzzle, playing cards or picking out a board game is an excellent way to engage a senior and encourage them to build connections with their friends and family. They can also help to stimulate their minds, improving their memory and overall brain function.

7. Give back to the community

Many community groups are looking for people to help them out in a variety of different ways. Depending on the interest and mobility of the senior, they can volunteer their time at a local charity shop, knit blankets for hospitals, or get involved with a church.

Reduced mobility doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do!

Even with reduced mobility or the addition of a rollator walker or cane in order to get around, seniors can still enjoy a wide variety of activities each day. Taking up a new hobby or diving back into an old favourite can help seniors fight cognitive decline, improve their relationships, fight boredom and even cope with medical issues.

Incorporating a rollator walker into your life can be an intimidating process, but it can also be a freeing one! The ability to maintain an active and social lifestyle and continue taking part in a variety of day-to-day activities can benefit the health of seniors and those struggling with mobility issues. While a traditional 4 wheeled rollator walker is sufficient for many people, those who want to have the freedom to go anywhere they want to may want a bit more robust model. An all-terrain rollator generally has added features that will allow the user to use it in a wider variety of situations.

What is an all-terrain rollator?

A rollator walker is designed to help the user maintain their mobility and live a more active lifestyle. An all-terrain model usually has large rubber wheels and a flexible frame that helps absorb vibrations from rough and uneven terrain. The Volaris Patrol model is the perfect option for those looking to use their rollator on more adventurous terrain, while still being convenient for day-to-day use.

Top benefits of an all-terrain rollator walker

Using a rollator walker can help improve day-to-day function and mobility. Choosing an all-terrain model is beneficial for those who live a fairly active lifestyle, and aren’t only looking for support in getting around their home. There are many benefits to investing in an all-terrain rollator walker instead of a regular model, including:

Ability to traverse a variety of terrain – The oversized rubber wheels on the Volaris all terrain rollator make it ideal for use on a wide variety of terrain. Rocky ground, sand, rough pathways, tall grass and gravel lots are no match for this model of rollator walker.

Excellent add-on accessories – A water bottle holder, CO2 tank holder, carrying basket and backrest can make life easier for a rollator walker user, especially one who is active and using the Volaris all terrain model. Having the things you need at close reach make a rollator walker a convenient addition to your life.

Adjustable height –Adjustable handlebars allow for the rollator to be changed to fit the user’s height so most users will be able to customize it to their needs.

Built-in seat – Maintaining physical activity is a great goal, but it’s important to recognize that an aging or ailing body may need more regular breaks. A built-in seat helps the user have a rest as needed, which helps them stay motivated to get active.

Easy to fold up for transport – The folding X frame allows the rollator user to easily fold down their walker for transport. Getting out of the house and maintaining regular activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and can improve quality of life especially for those aging in place.

Lightweight frame – The frame of a Volaris rollator walker is very lightweight, making it easy to move around, lift into vehicles and carry up and down stairs as needed. A heavy rollator can be difficult to use, especially when moving across rough terrain.

Fits into small spaces – The narrow frame and easy folding capabilities make this rollator perfect for the smaller living spaces and narrow hallways that can be found in many homes and apartments.

Can be used both indoors and outdoors – An all-terrain rollator is robust enough to be used outdoors, but compact enough to transition into indoor use as well. Most users won’t want to rotate between two different rollators, so the adaptability is important.

An all-terrain rollator is a great choice

When it comes time to invest in and use a rollator walker it’s important to consider what kind of activities you’ll want to use it for. For those looking to just move around their home, shopping centers and other fairly stable ground, a standard model rollator walker will do the trick. However, users who may want to cross terrain like sand, rocks, gravel and unpaved paths may benefit from choosing an all-terrain model.

As seniors reach a point in life when it’s becoming more difficult to move around freely, it’s not uncommon for their social life to take a bit of a downturn as well. However, getting social is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to maintain mobility and improve their quality of life. There are many great places for seniors to meet new people, make friends and experience the perks of a social lifestyle.

Benefits of being social

There are many reasons to maintain regular socialization, especially for seniors. Not only are there significant benefits to a person’s physical health, their mental health will experience positives as well.

At Xlent Care Products, we’re about getting seniors and those with mobility challenges out and living their best life. With all-terrain mobility walkers, our customers can simply do more. Doing more means living better. Our range of accessories also allow seniors to go further, in comfort, and thus participate more in social settings!

Incorporating even an hour or two of socializing into each day can help to:

• Maintain or improve physical health and mobility
• Reduce stress
• Relieve anxiety and reduce depression
• Improve mental health
• Booth immune system
• Maintain independence
• Encourage new experiences
• Foster new relationships
• Increase life expectancy

Many options for socialization

There are many settings that offer opportunities for seniors to socialize in their day-to-day life. Whether they are interested in meeting people of similar age and place to life or want to get out and meet people in their community, there are a number of options available.

Community senior centers

Many communities have a community center dedicated to seniors in the area. They often host classes, get togethers, group trips, coffee hours and parties that are the perfect setting for seniors to socialize with each other.

Sign up for senior fitness classes

Local gyms, fitness clubs and swimming pools often offer classes specifically for seniors. Engaging in physical activity can not only help seniors have fun with fellow attendees, but also help improve their mobility and physical health.

Online groups

Socialization doesn’t have to happen exclusively in person! Although technology and social media may be intimidating for many seniors, there are many opportunities for engagement if they are open to learning. Especially for those seniors who struggle with mobility and getting out of their home, the internet can be a great way to connect.

Volunteer in the community

Volunteering is a great way for people of all ages to find connection and socialization. With many different kinds of volunteer groups operating in communities everywhere, there is no shortage of options for seniors. Choosing a volunteer opportunity that is aligned with their interests can help seniors to feel fulfilled each day, and to make connections with fellow volunteers.

Local church groups

Local church groups often do volunteer work in the community, plan social events, go on social outings and participate in group activities. These groups are often perfect settings for seniors to get out of the house and meet new people with similar interests.

Seniors travel groups

Although mobility may be reduced as people age, often their love of travel doesn’t! Joining a local travel group can provide seniors with like-minded friendships, and potential travel partners. Whether the group focuses on local excursions or plans cruises and trips abroad, a senior’s travel group will focus on the unique needs of their demographic.

Special interest clubs or classes

Colleges, libraries and community groups often host a number of special interest clubs and classes for locals. Whether they are interested in photography, gardening, golf, language learning, cooking, ceramics, art or any other number of activities, seniors can join a club or sign up for a class to meet others with similar interests.

Mobility aids can make life easier

For most social opportunities, a level of mobility is needed in order to fully participate in the experience. However, even if moving around is difficult, this is no reason to avoid it! Using a mobility aid like a cane or rollator walker can help get seniors out of their home and into a social environment. Rollator walkers can be a significant support for seniors, especially as they find their balance and stamina declining with age. With a number of additional features that can further simplify life, a rollator walker is the perfect accessory for a social lifestyle.

When buying a rollator walker there are often so many features and accessories that it can be hard to figure out exactly which ones will be helpful, and which will be over the top. However, there are a few features that all users should look for when shopping for a new rollator. These features will help ensure that an investment in a mobility aid will offer the biggest return, and that it will remain useful and strong for as long as it is needed.

Volaris Rollators are exclusively sold in North America by Xlent Care Products as they set industry standards for quality, looks and for outstanding accessories that have them often voted best-in-class!

Premium rollator features

Deciding which rollator walker features are worth paying more for can be a confusing process. There are a number of different things to look for when shopping for a new rollator walker, but there are a few features in particular to keep a look out for.

Quality of construction

The construction quality of the rollator you choose will have the biggest impact on the longevity of your investment. A sturdy, well-built walker will last forever, even as you use it more and more.

Lightweight frame

A lightweight frame is important for those who need their rollator walker to be portable and easily transported. A heavy rollator is difficult on the body, especially if it needs to be lifted at any point. The ability to lift a rollator walker up a set of stairs or into a vehicle is often a must for many rollator users so a lightweight frame will be worth the cost.

All terrain capability

Reduced mobility doesn’t have to mean that you’re confined to stable terrains! A rollator walker that has built-in shocks and a flexible frame can make navigating rough terrain like sand, rocks and hills doable, even if you need support along the way.

Compact folding frame

Whether you live in a small space, have lots of stairs, or want the ability to easily move your walker into a vehicle, a folding frame is a nice feature to have.

Accessories

Accessorizing your rollator isn’t about aesthetics, functional accessories for your rollator allow you to go further, become more mobile and live in greater comfort. They’re invariably worth the investment. Here are some top picks!

Slowdown brakes – Brakes are an essential piece of using a rollator walker. While all rollator walkers have hand brakes, adding slow down brakes to the rear wheels can be an extra safety measure, especially for those who walk up and down ramps or hills often.

Oxygen tank holder – Using an oxygen tank is an important part of life for many rollator walker users. A rollator with an attached oxygen tank holder can make carrying an oxygen tank much easier for users.

Built-in seat – Taking a rest while walking can help those with reduced stability and strength to live a mobile and healthy life. The built-in seat that comes with many rollators will allow users to sit down a take a break any time they need, without having to search for a place to sit. If the seat is too hard, users can also buy a seat pad to help soften it.

A storage basket – One of the most difficult aspects of using a rollator walker is losing the ability to carry things as you move around. A storage basket or travel bag can help a rollator walker feel more convenient and easier to use.

Water bottle holder – Drinking water while engaging in physical activity can help to extend how far you can walk, and a water bottle holder will keep it close at hand. In the same way that a storage basket or bag adds convenience, so does a water bottle holder that attaches to a leg of the rollator.

Backrest – For users that struggle with maintaining their balance and will use their rollator for sitting down, a backrest can be a great add on accessory.

Added features are worth the investment

Although the increased cost of a rollator with many features isn’t always a wanted expense, the trade off is usually worth it. When you can increase your mobility and your ability to get out into the world on your own, you are likely to experience many benefits. Improved mobility often leads to better health, increased mental well being and an overall improved aging experience.

While everyone will experience aging to some extent in their lives, there comes a point for many people when the process becomes more of a struggle. Taking steps to create a healthy life can help make this process go more smoothly in most situations. One of the top factors in experiencing healthy aging is their ability to maintain mobility.

Top ways to maintain healthy aging

There are a number of things that people can do to help maintain their health for as long as possible. While it’s natural to experience a decline in some areas as we age, making the effort to stay healthy for as long as possible can help people to hold onto their independence and movement for longer than they would otherwise.

Maintain physical activity

Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to help ensure a healthy and comfortable aging process. Whether you’re able to go for a walk or jog each day, or are restricted to activities you can do in your living room, making the effort to move daily is an essential part of aging well. As aging adults experience a reduction in their ability to perform daily activities, they will benefit from incorporating any level of movement that they can into their days. Maintaining muscle strength through movement and exercise is the best way to prevent against pain, lack of independence and disability.

Accept support

Using mobility aids like a cane or rollator walker can help you maintain mobility, while also protecting joints and supporting balance issues. When getting active becomes difficult it can be hard to maintain mobility, however doing so is an important part of healthy aging. Painful joints, poor balance, reduced energy, and a need to rest regularly can all be aided by the use of rollator walker or cane.

Eat a healthy diet

Making smart choices when it comes to the foods we eat can help prevent and treat some health problems that can become a barrier over time. Eating well isn’t just about weight, however, the foods we eat help to nourish the body and allow it to perform its best each day. Consuming a diet that is full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is a great way to maintain health.

Sleep well

It’s easy to discount the positive effects of a good sleep, however it is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, especially as we age. Most adults don’t get enough sleep each day, especially if they are sick, in pain, or on certain medications. Getting enough sleep each night can help maintain moods, memory and physical movement day to day.

Quit smoking

It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health, and this is especially true when it comes to ageing. Even someone who has been smoking for decades will experience many positive effects to their health including lower risk of cancer, heart attack and stroke, improved circulation, improved sense of taste and smell, and increased ability to maintain mobility.

Visit the doctor regularly

Taking the time to visit your doctor for regular health screenings can help you stay ahead of any issues that may get in the way of healthy aging. Issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic diseases can create quite a barrier when it comes to staying healthy.

Get social

Seniors who have an active social life are more likely to maintain mobility and experience a healthier aging process. Being social helps people combat loneliness and depression, and can help encourage them to incorporate more physical activity into their lives.

Mobility is key to healthy aging

Maintaining a routine that includes physical activity and exercise is one of the best ways to encourage healthy aging. Although the level of physical activity that can be achieved will vary from one person to the next, maintaining mobility is the best way to prevent the occurrence of pain and disability during aging.