What Are the Top Reasons for Reduced Mobility in Seniors?

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Top Causes of Decreased Mobility in Aging Adults in Winnipeg, MB

According to statistics, approximately 16 percent of Canadian adults over the age of 65 live with some type of mobility impairment. Older adults develop mobility issues for a variety of reasons, which may include the natural aging process. However, with compassion, understanding, and support, family members may be able to increase a senior loved one’s physical function. Here are some of the top reasons mobility decreases with age.

Arthritis

Older adults can develop arthritis in any of their joints. When the joints in the arms or legs are affected, seniors may experience reduced mobility. Depending on the severity and location of the disorder, seniors often benefit from taking anti-inflammatory medications and performing prescribed therapies. Encourage your loved one to keep using the affected limbs to prevent stiffness. If the disease process progresses to the point of extreme pain or impaired mobility, your loved one may require joint replacement surgery. Once recovered from medical intervention, older adults commonly regain their mobility. 
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Winnipeg seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Injuries

Approximately one-third of Canadian adults 65 years of age and older fall each year. The range of injuries seniors experience during a fall range from bumps, bruises, and skin tears to fractures. After a fall, an older adult may have difficulty moving the affected limb until recovery occurs. You can reduce the risk of falls by evaluating your loved one’s balance and visual capabilities. Remove obstacles from pathways, and ensure proper lighting. As your loved one recovers from injuries, he or she may need assistance with household tasks and meal preparation. Some seniors require the use of a cane or wheelchair. 
Recovering from an injury is often a lengthy process for seniors, and a professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support when it comes to performing life’s everyday activities. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Winnipeg home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Neuromuscular Disorders

Some older adults are afflicted with neuromuscular conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. The symptoms of the disorders vary from one person to the next. Individuals affected by Parkinson’s commonly develop uncontrollable muscle spasms and tremors, which makes mobility difficult. Dopamine replacement medications must be taken between meals to enhance effectiveness. Physical therapy may also help. Encourage your loved one to use assistive devices as needed. 
Multiple sclerosis often causes pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. However, afflicted seniors must continue physical activity according to recommendations from their healthcare provider. Anti-inflammatory foods, medication, and rest often reduce the symptoms. When neuromuscular disorders progress to the point where older adults can no longer walk, a motorized wheelchair or scooter can offer the opportunity to enjoy some degree of mobility.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Inactive older adults may lose up to five percent of their muscle mass each year. Without sufficient muscle strength, seniors may find it difficult to walk because of reduced balance and flexibility. Being inactive also raises the likelihood of becoming overweight, which puts additional stress on weak bones and muscles. Encourage your loved one to partake in some form of exercise each day. Invite him or her to go for walks. As your loved one becomes stronger, introduce strength training activities to further build physical strength.
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 home care services, Winnipeg, MB, 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 Home Care Assistance. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call us at (204) 489-6000 today.

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