It’s common for
people to develop mobility issues as they age. Mobility issues can be caused by
a number of factors, including muscle weakness, joint pain, neurological
difficulties, diseases, illnesses or injuries. Mobility issues can result in
falling, unsteadiness while walking, and difficulty going from sitting to
standing. If you or a loved one is affected by senior mobility issues, here are
some important facts you should know.
Emotional Impact
Senior mobility
issues don’t just affect how the body can move; they can also seriously impact
a person’s emotional state. A senior experiencing mobility issues may have to
give up many of the physical activities they once enjoyed, making them feel
frustrated and unhappy. Many seniors become withdrawn and isolated because they
can’t move as easily as they once did. It’s important for a senior’s home
environment to be as easy to navigate as possible so their mobility issues
don’t overwhelm their emotional health.
Safety Concerns
The most
hazardous part of mobility issues is the risk of falling. Falls can cause
serious damage such as bruising, broken bones, and torn muscles. Older bones
can break much more easily than younger ones and they take longer to repair. A
senior may permanently need a walker or cane even after a minor fall. Slip and
falls can also make existing health problems such as heart conditions or
arthritis even worse. It’s important to keep a senior’s home as accessible as
possible to reduce the risk of life-threatening accidents.
