Understanding The Various Reasons Why Older Adults May Lose Their Mobility

The older we get, the more our bodies change. As we enter the stages of being elderly, it’s understandable that those changes can include a decline in mobility. The ability to move freely and easily is essential for maintaining independence, performing daily activities and engaging in social activities. However, for older adults, mobility issues can be common and frustrating problems that affect their overall quality of life.

What are some of the main reasons why older adults may experience a decline in mobility?

Chronic health conditions.

Many older adults live with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis, among others. These conditions can cause pain, stiffness, weakness and fatigue, making it difficult to move around freely.

Arthritis, for example, is a common condition that affects the joints and can cause significant pain and stiffness. This can make it challenging for older adults to engage in physical activity and move around freely. Similarly, diabetes can cause nerve damage and lead to a loss of sensation in the feet and legs, making it difficult to walk.

Injury or surgery.

Falls are a common cause of injury among older adults. They can result in fractures, sprains or other injuries that can impact mobility. After surgery, older adults may also experience temporary mobility issues as they recover.

Injuries and surgery can also lead to a fear of falling, which can cause older adults to limit their physical activity and avoid movement altogether. This can exacerbate a decline in mobility and overall physical health.

Muscle weakness and atrophy.

Our muscles naturally weaken and we lose muscle mass as we age. This can create a decline in overall strength, making it challenging to perform daily activities. Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to muscle weakness and atrophy.

Older adults who are less physically active are more likely to experience a decline in muscle mass and strength. This can make it challenging to perform everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries.

Changes in vision and hearing.

Vision and hearing abilities naturally decline with age. It can make it challenging to navigate our environment safely. Poor vision can make it difficult to see obstacles or hazards in our path, leading to an increased risk of falls. As well, hearing loss can make it challenging to hear warning signals or communicate with others, leading to a sense of isolation and reduced mobility.

Medications and poor nutrition.

Some medications can cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue, making it difficult to move around safely. This can be especially true for older adults who are taking multiple medications.

Poor nutrition can also be a contributing factor to mobility issues in older adults. A diet that is high in sugar, salt and saturated fats can lead to obesity, diabetes and other chronic health conditions that can impact mobility. In addition, a lack of proper nutrition can lead to muscle weakness and atrophy, making it challenging to move around at will.

Cognitive decline.

Cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, can also contribute to mobility issues in older adults. As cognitive function declines, it can become challenging to navigate one’s environment safely, leading to a decline in mobility.

What makes electric mobility scooters excellent mobility solutions for older adults?

Electric mobility scooters have become increasingly popular among older adults as excellent mobility solutions. These devices offer a wide range of benefits that make them practical and convenient options for seniors who want to maintain their independence and mobility.

They increase independence.

Electric mobility scooters provide older adults with increased independence and freedom to move around. With a mobility scooter, older adults can travel long distances without getting tired or experiencing discomfort. This allows them to participate in various activities, visit friends and family and engage in social events.

They provide convenience and comfort.

Electric mobility scooters are designed to provide older adults with comfortable and convenient modes of transportation. These devices come with adjustable seats, handlebars and footrests, allowing older adults to find comfortable positions that suit their needs. They are also easy to operate. Most models have intuitive controls that are simple to use.

They are safe and stable.

Electric mobility scooters are designed to be safe and stable, providing older adults with a secure mode of transportation. They are equipped with safety features such as anti-tip wheels, lights, and reflectors, which help ensure the safety of the user while in use. They also have stable bases and low centers of gravity, which provide a smooth and stable ride.

They are affordable.

Electric mobility scooters are affordable and cost-effective compared to other mobility solutions such as cars or motorbikes. They are practical investments that can provide older adults with years of reliable service. They also require minimal maintenance, which helps keep the overall cost of ownership low.

They are environmentally-friendly.

Electric mobility scooters are environmentally-friendly. They produce no emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of older adults who use them. As well, they use rechargeable batteries that can be charged overnight and have a range of up to 25 miles on a single charge. This makes them a practical and eco-friendly mode of transportation for older adults.

At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we stock a wide variety of electric mobility scooters. We have 4-wheel scooters and 3-wheel electric mobility scooter models available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. There are also travel scooters that disassemble or fold for storage and travel, mid-sized multi-use scooters, and large, more robust scooters that can effectively handle more challenging terrain.

Our qualified technicians will adjust and maintain your electric mobility scooter and your scooter batteries to give you trouble-free performance. We always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. You’ll know all of the possible options so you can choose which solution is best for you. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!