How can elderly improve mobility?

As the muscles in your body get older, they may lose tone and become rigid. Lost muscle mass can make your body weaker. Joints can also break down causing inflammation and stiffness. These symptoms are common among elderly and can lead to immobility. There’s nothing worse than feeling chronic pain during simple daily tasks like walking or reaching. So how can elderly improve mobility?

EXERCISE

Though it sounds contrary to immobility, there are many exercises that can help improve body function. If a loved one has become immobile due to physical ailments, developing a moderate daily exercise routine can help. There are many muscles in the body that don’t get a lot of use as we become older and less active. It’s important to wake those muscles up and get the oxygen flowing to all the nooks and crannies of your muscles and limbs.

Before starting an exercise program, be sure to consult your doctor or therapist. Here are some recommended exercises that can help improve mobility.  These exercises can be conducted at home with a friend or at a fitness facility.

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• Arm circles
• Arm reaches
• Going on a walk
• Marching in place
• Touching your toes
• Calf raises
• Lunges
• Wrist circles
• Playing with grandkids
• Gentle yoga

DIET

When you think of food as nourishment for the body, it’s easier to make healthy choices. Fueling an aging body starts with going back to the basics. Make sure you’re eating something from each of the major food groups daily. Most importantly is to make sure you’re getting enough calcium every day, whether it’s from food or a supplement.  

Both men and women should be cognizant of how much calcium they’re getting each day. As a general rule, you should make sure you’re getting the recommended daily allowance, which is 1,200 mg for women over 51 years old and men over 71 years old. You’ll find calcium in a variety of foods, like:

• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Fortified cereals
• Soy products

Your body needs Vitamin D in order to properly absorb the calcium you’re taking in. An easy way to get some Vitamin D is to get some sun exposure every day.

The Santé team provides a comprehensive and compassionate range of services. If you’re interested in learning more about our home health services, call us at (480) 563-2402.