Reduced mobility is a normal part of the aging process for some older adults, but other issues can prevent seniors from maintaining optimal posture and balance. Family caregivers should learn as much as possible about age-related mobility issues, including what causes them. Below are some of the top reasons aging adults experience limited mobility along with tips for prevention.
Heart Problems
Older adults with cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure and poor circulation often become dizzy and have difficulty moving around or standing for long periods. Heart problems can also lead to difficulty breathing when moving. These issues can cause limited mobility and increase the risk that older adults will adopt sedentary lifestyles.
Seniors can prevent cardiovascular problems by developing healthy habits such as abstaining from smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, and getting plenty of rest each night.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease disrupt the brain’s ability to regulate movement. As a result, older adults living with these types of conditions may experience reflex problems and see a significant decrease in their fine motor skills. However, following treatment plans to control the disorders could boost mobility.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Home Care Naples families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Joint Pain
Years of normal wear and tear raise the odds of joint pain for older adults. The discomfort could make it difficult for seniors to move around without assistance. Develop a plan that helps your loved one reduce joint pain and prevent age-related conditions such as osteoporosis. The plan should include healthy nutrition and a moderate exercise routine.
Excess Weight
The ability to transfer body weight is limited when your loved one is overweight. Therefore, your parent may have difficulty going up and down stairs and find it challenging to walk from room to room. Instead of being able to move around independently, your loved one may rely on you and other caregivers to navigate his or her environment, which could cause isolation and prevent him or her from going to social gatherings in the community.
Seniors can avoid being overweight by remaining physically active and burning excess calories. Staying in good physical shape could increase your loved one’s mobility and independence.
If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Naples Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Falls
Falls can lead to strained connective tissues that negatively affect balance, flexibility, and posture. The fractures and broken bones many seniors experience after falling could have permanent side effects that prevent them from moving around without using canes, walkers, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices. The long-term results of falls could also require families to make extensive changes to their loved ones’ homes, such as installing grab bars and wheelchair ramps, rearranging furniture, and lowering sinks, counters, and cabinets.
If mobility issues are affecting your loved one’s quality of life, consider adding a compassionate professional caregiver to your family’s caregiving team. When researching agencies that provide elderly home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.
