According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an older adult aged 65 years and above suffers a fall just about every second of each day in the United States. It is also estimated that nearly 36 million older individuals suffer from falls yearly, resulting in over 32,000 deaths. Here, we discuss the significance of maintaining mobility as your loved ones grow older.
Aging and Its Impact on Mobility
Mobility is the joy of being able to move easily and freely. From healthy joints and bones to our muscles, there are various factors that allow us to perform all sorts of movements that are common in daily living – showering, cooking, cleaning, visiting friends, and even continuing our interests and hobbies. The first visible signs of aging for most adults include changes in gait and posture, as well as a lack of energy to conduct daily tasks. When one ages, muscle mass, bone density, and strength decrease. The joints also become stiffer and less flexible due to the reduction of cartilage. Ultimately, all of these affect mobility and independence.
The Significance of Maintaining Mobility
We may not give a second thought to our everyday tasks like taking a bath, going on a short walk, or cleaning your kitchen by yourself, but they all have one thing in common – mobility. The goal of an aging individual optimizing and sustaining their mobility is so that they can maintain independence for a longer period. Being able to move our arms and legs in circles, side-to-side, backward, and forward makes a significant difference in how we’ll manage day-to-day living. A lack of mobility means that your loved ones will be able to do fewer tasks by themselves, and would need the help of a caregiver to help out with certain actions. Older adults with a smaller range of mobility are also more prone to falls and other injuries, which occur more often than we think in older adults.
Tips for Maintaining Mobility
Exercising on a regular basis brings about a wide range of benefits like improving a sense of wellbeing and joint mobility. A few examples of mobility training exercises your loved ones can do on a daily or weekly basis include doing yoga stretches, mobility drills, foam rolling, and walking among plenty others. Studies have also proven that interventions with the aim of increasing muscle strength can improve mobility, especially in older adults. However, regular physical activity isn’t enough. Keeping a regularly balanced diet can also support the health of our bones, muscles, and joints, and help sustain our range of motion for a longer period.
Why Choose Terrabella Cramer Mountain for Senior Living?
Within our community, your loved ones can expect delightful meals, cozy suites, and a wide range of opportunities for socialization right at their doorstep. We also ensure that our residents enjoy their senior living experience to the fullest under our care by providing a long list of conveniences for their benefit.
To learn more about our senior living options in Terrabella Cramer Mountain, feel free to contact us today at 980.247.1383.
