The Impact of Old Age on Mobility

As individuals age, their physical capabilities, particularly their mobility, often change significantly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, mobility is the most common disability among older Americans. Taking proactive steps to maintain a higher quality of life requires an understanding of these changes by the elderly and their caregivers.

Changes in Muscle Strength and Flexibility

Muscle strength declines as people age since they lose muscle mass, a condition referred to as sarcopenia. This results in muscle wastage and in turn compromises the dog’s muscle strength with a negative impact on muscle strength and this reduces capability of the muscles with regard to certain activities for instance walking, standing from sitting position or doing the following with an object. Decreased muscle mass also predisposes the elderly to falls because it may take time for him or her to regain balance after a minor slip.

Depending on age, the cartilage degenerates and the synovial fluid is reduced in the joints leading to joint rigidity. These joint stiffness can make such movements as; bending, crawling from bed, or even tilting the head a bit difficult and painful. Such shifts are not only painful but also rather psychological as decreased movement is likely to cause new emotions such as reliance and irritation.

Two other ways aging is fateful on mobility is the loss of balance and coordination. Osteoporosis, which is a typical feature of the aging population, results in loss of ability to balance from the inner ear and vision. This study also finds that proprioception – the means by which the position of the body is perceived – can deteriorate and also cause balance problems. It therefore follows that elderly patients may develop symptoms of dizziness, light headedness or vertigo and may easily fall. These balance issues can be as simple as walking across a room or climbing stairs, and therefore they become difficult to accomplish.

Another way coordination is affected by age has to do with; reaction time slows down and the capability to perform more than one task at a time is diminished. This can impact on the motor coordination mechanisms as well as grooming and dressing, as well as eating by means of utensils. For instance, functional limitation may include an older adult struggling to grasp small objects, or inability to grip objects during handling due to poor muscle coordination. While these impairments are most directly related to mobility, they may also lead to problems with loneliness or depression because social processes become more physically demanding.

Adaptation and Intervention

However, based on the various literature, it has been established that most elderly patients have the potential to cope with physical disability through various techniques. It is often effective as the therapy used is strength training, balance, and flexibility training to regain mobility and decreased risk of falling. It has been established that many purposeful exercise programs can be created to be implemented especially for older persons and would yield benefits such as the increase in muscle strength as well promote joint flexibility. Also, objects such as a cane, walker or stairs lift are handy that can reduce the probability of mobility tasks and make them easier.

Other approaches linked with mobility include observing a proper diet and ensuring that one takes a lot of water. It is also good to note that elderly individuals with diabetes and arthritis benefit from natural healing remedies. 

Seniors can cope with limited mobility by renting mobility scooters. Scoot Smart can be broken down into smaller, lighter parts, fitting comfortably into almost any vehicle trunk. 

For more information, visit https://Scoot-smartt.com/ or contact us now with any questions you may have!