{"id":1178,"date":"2024-01-08T22:00:54","date_gmt":"2024-01-08T22:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ameriglide.com\/blog\/?p=1178"},"modified":"2024-01-10T19:11:53","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T19:11:53","slug":"how-aging-affects-mobility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ameriglide.com\/blog\/how-aging-affects-mobility\/","title":{"rendered":"How Aging Affects Mobility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nowadays numerous older adults continue to actively participate in society well into their senior years. But, there may be a point where age-related challenges, particularly limitations in mobility, become more noticeable and more difficult as we get older. This can cause an issue for aging seniors who are wanting to stay independent in their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What changes as we age?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Joints may experience wear and tear, leading to conditions such as arthritis, which can hinder any fluid movement. Decreased flexibility, decreased bone density, muscle mass, and strength, and coordination often accompany aging, making it more challenging to perform activities that require a full range of motion, like walking up the stairs holding on a handrail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our nervous system also undergoes changes which affect the speed of nerve impulses and reflexes, further hindering mobility. As a result, older individuals may find it harder to maintain balance, navigate uneven surfaces, and engage in activities that once seemed effortless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, common mobility issues like deteriorations in balance and coordination can lead to further restrictions in walking or even an inability to stand without assistance. Below are a few tips for caregivers to consider to keep in mind when assisting those who want to stay and live independently in their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assess<\/strong>
Before doing anything it\u2019s important to take a look at their home. Look for potential fall hazards like rugs, cords, lack of hand rails, etc. National Council on Aging provides a printable checklist<\/a> that you can view and download if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modify Home for Safety<\/strong>
Once you\u2019ve gone through figuring out what needs to be fixed for safety, work towards putting those changes in place. Common modifications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n