Practically all seniors will become less active as they grow older, and they need to be careful if they want to prevent mobility loss. When older adults become more reclusive and less active, they might have difficulty with a wide variety of physical and emotional issues. Here’s a closer look at five of the most common reasons mobility decreases with age and some steps that can be taken to mitigate those issues.
1. Osteoarthritis (OA)
This degenerative disorder is the most common form of arthritis, and the CDC claims that nearly 10 percent of the senior population has some form of OA. When left untreated, osteoarthritis can make simple movements such as getting out of bed or walking around a store nearly unbearable. Excess weight is the biggest risk factor for osteoarthritis, which is just one more reason older adults must follow a healthy diet and exercise a few days a week.
One of the best ways to keep seniors motivated to stay healthy is to have regular encouragement from a professional in-home caregiver. For families living in Las Vegas, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
2. Loss of Muscle Mass
Muscles naturally deteriorate with age, which makes moving around much more difficult. Luckily, most seniors should be able to preserve their strength and muscle mass by following a comprehensive exercise routine. In addition to low-impact cardio workouts, older adults also need to engage in resistance training with exercise bands or weights. Those who haven’t trained in a few years might want to start with bodyweight exercises until they’ve built up their strength.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is another progressive disorder that can negatively impact mobility. This disease weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. It can also result in secondary complications such as limited mobility and chronic pain deep in the muscles.
Genetics play a major role in the development of osteoporosis, but lifestyle habits are important as well. Staying at a healthy weight, exercising, and consuming plenty of calcium every day can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Professional caregivers can provide the support seniors need to manage serious mobility issues and live independently. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care service, you can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
4. Impaired Eyesight
Age-related vision issues are extremely common, and nearly every senior will need to use eyeglasses or contact lenses at some point. While some vision loss is a normal part of the aging process, seniors still need to do everything in their power to protect their eyes, which includes wearing sunglasses while outside, sticking to a healthy diet, and scheduling appointments with their eye doctors every year or two. Some age-related eye diseases can be reversed as long as they’re diagnosed and treated in their earliest stages.
5. Balance Issues
Many different variables can impact a senior’s sense of balance, including posture, inner ear issues, muscle loss, and limited flexibility. Some seniors also take strong medications that affect equilibrium, increasing the risk of falling over.
Strengthening the stabilizer muscles throughout the torso and legs is one of the best ways to increase balance. Walking in the sand, doing yoga, and dancing are great options for seniors who would like to boost their balance while strengthening their major muscle groups.
Muscle weakness, joint issues, and complex health conditions can all contribute to reduced mobility in older adults. 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 Las Vegas families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us today.
