During your sunset years, you may struggle to get around. Along with increasing fatigue and aches in new areas, you might discover that after exerting yourself, you experience muscle pain and stiffness. Although aging always involves a reduction in overall mobility, there are many things you can do to ensure that you continue to lead an active life. Use the tips below if you’re wondering how to increase your mobility.
How to Increase Your Mobility
Stretching and Exercise
Understandably, many people choose to sit still because they find that moving around causes them to feel tired, weak, or sore. However, a lack of movement can actually make it more difficult to get moving. If you don’t stay somewhat active through the years, you will lose muscle mass. In addition, we encourage you to stretch daily to loosen stiff joints and increase blood flow to your muscles. This can lead to reduced pain and increase your range of motion.
You don’t have to spend a ton of time stretching or exercising. In fact, you can stretch or do exercises throughout the day. For example, if you’re watching TV, walk around or do stretches during commercial breaks. If you’re reading, playing games, or just talking, try to move around every 30 minutes or so. Additionally, if you’re overweight, emphasize weight loss because additional weight can place stress on your joints, increasing leg pain and stiffness.
Mobility Aids
Many people resist using canes or walkers, perhaps feeling that they don’t require a walking aid to move around. However, canes and walkers can help you get around safely and provide great assistance even if you don’t need one to walk. They help you keep your balance, prevent falls and injuries, and take pressure off of aching or sore joints. So if you’re struggling to stay active or have more pain than you used to, consider purchasing a mobility aid to see if it might help. You don’t have to use the aid every day, but it might come in handy on your “bad days.”
Ask a Doctor for Advice
Before making any major changes to your lifestyle, speak with your doctor. This is especially important if you’re taking any medications or have any specific limitations due to medical conditions or previous injuries; check with your doctor to ensure that you don’t exacerbate these issues. In addition to reviewing and approving your plans to become more active, your doctor can help you learn how to increase your mobility with specific recommendations based on your circumstances.
Your doctor may also offer certain medications (including over-the-counter products) to reduce pain or swelling or improve joint function. You could also benefit from braces or medical clothing, like arthritis gloves or compression socks. Work with your doctor to find a treatment that works for you.
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In addition to the tips above, we encourage you to add activity to your schedule slowly, eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, and get a good night’s sleep. Finally, remember that some activity is better than none at all. So even if you feel tired or sore, try to incorporate 10-15 minutes of activity into your day. Every bit counts!
Looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? Check out Hearthside Senior Living in Collierville. Our warm and inviting community makes it easy for seniors to embrace a healthy lifestyle, with home-cooked and restaurant-style meals, exercise classes, and a nurse devoted to residents’ health and wellness. To learn more about our amenities and services, please give us a call at 901-854-6590 or contact us online.