Mobility in the elderly - What must be considered?

1. Mobility in the elderly - What must be considered? One of the main constraints that older people face is reduced mobility. What seems like a logical question, is in many cases an issue that is not sufficiently taken into account since it is taken for granted that said decrease in one's abilities is an obvious consequence of aging. We understand by lack of mobility, a decrease in the capacities to carry out activities of daily life due to a deterioration of motor functions. What accessibility problems are there in society? On the other hand, the disabled person may feel frustration, despondency, anger, anguish, as well as other emotional responses, when facing the stress of their lack of daily independence. Accessibility on the streets: When a person has mobility problems, it is important to offer them support to help them walk when going outside. So, they avoid any type of fall or lack of balance. We speak of supports such as canes or walking sticks that serve as support, as well as wheelchairs in the most complicated cases. Although it is preferable not to immobilize the person completely and help him to carry out some type of physical exercise that avoids the loss of muscle mass. Accessibility in buildings: Also noteworthy is the accessibility of the buildings. In many older buildings, architectural features can pose obstacles for older people, such as the use of stairs. Therefore, there are recommended items that can help access the home, such as lifting platforms, stairlifts, or disability ramps for home. Home accessibility: Finally, it is also recommended to adapt the home furniture to prevent the elderly person from having to perform excessively horizontal positions. We are talking about avoiding low furniture such as bed risers, as well as using armchairs with an angle slightly higher than 90 degrees to maintain comfortable and safe positions. It is known that immobilization in the elderly very often produces an increase in the appearance of medical complications. And, evidently, their dependence on carrying out activities of daily life. Reasons that contribute in some cases to their institutionalization. Health benefits of mobility in older people: It should be noted the benefits of using Aidacare Brisbane, a certain degree of physical exercise in older people, such as increased bone mineral density, increased metabolism, and greater vascularization of the heart. As well as on a cognitive and psychological level, the strengthening of activity intellectual and mental alertness, the increase of the feeling of well-being and social integration, and an improvement in the quality of sleep.