Why Is Mobility Important For Seniors
Lacey For a lot of older adults, retirement is the time to relax, travel, take on new hobbies and interests or tackle new projects. Some older adults have physical disabilities, injuries, or limitations that can make it difficult to stay active and moving.
Older adults often have mobility issues as they age. Mobility issues are labeled with difficulties that seniors have getting around physically, whether indoors or outdoors. According to a 2016 study, mobility loss occurs mostly in seniors and is usually a result of multiple impairments in the central nervous system, muscles, joints, energy, and sensory physiological systems. In addition to the physical effects, mobility issues can also impact mental health as well as the quality of life.
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What Happens To Our Bodies As We Age
Natural aging is inevitable and can make seniors more prone to injuries and joint problems, like arthritis. We see older adults avoiding physical activity altogether increases the risk of physical and mental health issues like obesity, heart disease, and depression. Physical exercise is imperative to an aging body. It releases endorphins that increase serotonin, which is that happy “feel good” feeling.
A happy senior is more likely to be more active as well which is that every turning wheel of being more active will make you healthier and being mobile makes you happier.
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. Here are some helpful tips.
Senior Tips On How To Stay Mobile
Finding modifications or alternatives to physical activities is easy. While we also need to come to terms with activities that are not appropriate or safe — bungee jumping for example. Activities that incorporate balance and coordination, stretching, strength training, and cardio are especially important for older adults.
Stretching exercises are very beneficial for older adults and seniors to improve flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Focus on crucial areas such as:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Biceps/upper arms
- Hips
- Hamstrings
- Quadriceps
- Ankles