3 Ways to help the elderly be more mobile

Independence makes a huge difference to someone who is older or living with a disability, by giving them the opportunity to be able to do things around the house or when out and about. There are a number of ways to help the elderly maintain their independence whilst also ensuring their safety. Today I am going to tell you about 3 ways to help the elderly be more mobile.

Walking Frames

When you think of mobility aids you probably picture a walking stick or a walking frame and these can greatly help those living with mobility issues. A walking stick can off-load 25% of the user’s weight compared to a frame which can transfer 64% of the user’s weight through the arms. Different frames are available to match the range of motion available; Osteoarthritis, for example, which may mildly affect mobility can be helped with a walking stick or crutch.

If there is not enough strength in the arms to lift the frame there are a number of frames with wheels (with brakes to prevent falls) which are better suited to getting around outside the home. Rollators always seemed like a popular choice when I used to visit my Grandparents in their care home, a rollator is a frame with three or four large wheels, handlebars and a built-in seat. There are a number of walking frames available which can be folded for easy storage.

Mobility Scooter

There are many different types of disability scooters for the elderly available and can range in price from less than £400 to more than £5,000 depending on the size and quality. There are a number of things to consider when you’re looking to purchase a scooter, for example, do you need one that is self-propelled? Will it be used often or just occasionally? Will it be used inside or outside or both? Will it need to be able to fit in a car?

Scooters are best for those who have good sitting balance, the ability to step on and off, adequate eyesight, and a good memory. Make sure that the controls are easy to understand and meet any range of motion issues such as a tiller and controls you can operate if you have arthritic fingers. Some other things to consider include whether you need to get upstairs or through narrow doorways and access to a power point if it needs charging, or having somewhere secure to store it

Exercise

Seeing as my husband is an Osteopath I feel that I have to big up the benefits of keeping active for the elderly! Physically active, regular exercisers are more likely to walk independently and do other activities of daily living on their own compared to sedentary elders. It’s never too late to start an exercise program, even just starting with 10 minutes getting active every day can bring rewards. Don’t just focus on a cardio workout, be sure to include resistance training with weights a couple of times a week, stretch and do other activities that improve flexibility and balance every day.

There are many benefits to exercising including improving medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, heart disease, diabetes, constipation, high blood pressure and obesity. It also can have positive effects on blood pressure and blood sugar management, reduced amounts of lipids in the blood, better bone and joint health, and long-term preservation of neurocognitive function. You can find some great guidelines for physical activities for the elderly on the NHS website here.