From HealthNewsDigest.com

Seniors
Springtime Mobility Reminders for Seniors
By
Apr 3, 2017 - 2:44:02 PM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Beckoned outdoors by the warm spring weather and sweet songs of birds returning home? For seniors, springtime is a welcomed opportunity to get back outside whether it is to garden, travel, or simply see family and friends. Mobility issues can have seniors feeling limited or less independent when it comes to springtime activities - if that sounds like you, don’t forget these tips:

 

  1. Choose the right mobility aid: Experiencing dizziness, falls, and loss of balance? Recovering from an injury or illness that kept you down this past winter? The right mobility aid might be just the ticket to keeping you moving this spring. Staying active and exercising regularly is vital to senior health - helping prevent hypertension, strengthen muscles and bones, relieve back and joint pain, decrease risk of dementia, and fight feelings of social isolation.

    With the right mobility aid, seniors requiring a little extra support to get around will feel empowered and more independent. Advancements in assistive technology have made their way into a variety of mobility aids including canes, rental knee scooters, and walkers. Check with your healthcare provider to see what type of mobility aid would be a good fit for you, and shop around online or at your local pharmacy to find the best deals.

  2. Don’t strain yourself: Hankering to get going on your new landscape plans for the front walk? Planning an entire weekend of tilling the garden to plant vegetables? It’s easy to overdo it when you’re working hard at a hobby you love, like gardening. Bending over for extended periods of time, stretching muscles to reach and move things, or sitting in awkward positions (i.e. to plant and water flowers) can take their toll quickly resulting in strained and pulled muscles as well as joint inflammation.

    Don’t forget to stretch and walk around at least every 45 minutes if sitting down for awhile, and find proper supports for working in the garden like stools and knee pads. Save the extra difficult labor like deep digging and heavy lifting for a friend or family member who can help, or see if a local teen would enjoy a short-term outdoor gig for some extra pocket cash.

  3. Be careful spring cleaning: With 1 in 3 seniors experiencing a fall annually, it’s easy to connect the dots between spring cleaning and injury. The sunny spring months with longer days and warmer temperatures have many clamoring to do a full sweep of the house, but heavy lifting and trip hazards can have you quickly singing a different tune. When spring cleaning, remember to:

    - Avoid having long extension cords and other cables lying on the ground as they can easily trip you or someone else
    - Forgo lifting heavy boxes and moving large furniture yourself as that can quickly cause you to pull a muscle or hurt your legs or back
    - Wear clothes-toed shoes to protect and stabilize your feet, especially when moving or transferring items
    - Get help! Ask family members, neighbors or friends to pitch in with your spring cleaning and offer lemonade and cookies or a warm meal in return

  4. Prepare for travel: Planning the cruise of your dreams? Prepping for a springtime family reunion? Staying mobile means getting to take part in more of the fun! When it comes to the issue of mobility, remember lots of canes, walkers and scooters come in handy collapsible frames which make them great for storage and travel.

    A little research goes a long way when it comes to mobility and travel as well. Calling ahead to make sure the hotel room you booked online is handicapped accessible is always a good idea if you are using a mobility aid. And checking that buildings you might be visiting with your family on vacation (i.e., museums, zoos, amusement parks), have ramps and accessible entrances for people with limited mobility.

 

No matter where you end up this spring, remember the “getting there” part doesn’t have to be limited by your mobility. Enhanced maneuverability and support from mobility aids, as well as proactive steps you can take when spring cleaning, gardening and planning travel, can all make a big difference in keeping you going.

 

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