Better Mobility As You Age

Better Mobility As You Age

One of the greatest challenges of aging is maintaining mobility.  The process of aging can cause your bones, muscles, and joints to undergo changes.  Joints can become stiffer, bones less dense, and cartilage can become thinner.  All of this can make mobility a challenge.

But as you age, there are things you can do to help keep muscles and joints healthy to support your mobility.  Having more mobility as you age makes it easier perform tasks of daily life and prevents injury.  It also allows you to remain independent as long possible.  Let’s take a look at what you can do.  

Stay Active

You may have heard that motion is lotion.  This means that movement helps to bring lubrication to your joints.  If you want to move better the trick is to keep moving regularly.  Taking time for a walk several times a week and looking for ways to remain active instead of becoming one with the couch can help you to have more mobility.

Focus on Balance and Flexibility

Balance and flexibility are also critical to allow you stretch further and to keep you from falling.  Exercises such as yoga can help you to focus on both of these at the same time.  Tai Chi is another form of exercise that focuses on balance.

Maintain Vision

As you age, your vision can become impaired.  And when you have poor vision it’s difficult to remain mobile and prevent accidents.  A yearly eye exam is critical along with eating foods such as carrots and foods with omega-3 fatty acids to support good eye health.

Proper Footwear

As you age, it becomes more and more important to invest in supportive, comfortable footwear.  You’ll want shoes with good tread that help you prevent slips and falls.  It’s also important that shoes fit properly so that you don’t slide in them or develop pressure sores and blisters.  In this day and age, you can find supportive shoes that are also attractive so that you don’t have to give up your sense of style.

Use Mobility Aids as Needed

As you age you may find that you need a little assistance and support while walking and moving.  Rather than fighting their use, accepting the need and embracing the use of these supports can allow you to remain mobile and independent.  For example, a cane can help provide support.  A walker may also allow you to have support and balance so that you can continue to walk.