<!–[CDATA[While everyone ages differently, there are some undeniable changes that occur as we grow older. Loss of flexibility and slower reflexes are two. Balance problems become more common for reasons ranging from an inactive lifestyle to a poor diet.
What can you do to protect your or a senior loved one’s mobility?
We have six suggestions for you to explore.
Protecting Mobility during Retirement
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle: While it may seem like a less active lifestyle reduces your risk for a fall, the opposite is true. Those who are more sedentary often experience a loss of core strength and decreased flexibility. By avoiding sitting for long periods of time, you may be able to protect your mobility.
- Get regular exercise: Most people know exercise is linked to a healthier heart and a decreased risk for many diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Exercising on a routine basis also helps you stay limber and mobile. It’s one of the best ways to improve your overall well-being during retirement.
- Eat a balanced diet: Nutrition can also protect mobility. Seniors who have a poor diet experience more disabling falls than their peers who eat well. Lean protein combined with fruits and vegetables is believed to be the core of a healthy diet. For advice on how to eat well as you age, visit ChooseMyPlate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Incorporate strength training: An increasing amount of evidence shows strength training improves and maintains core strength. Building muscle mass is another safeguard for staying mobile. Work with a trainer at a local fitness center to learn how to use resistance bands or talk with your physician about a program like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Growing Stronger.
- Conduct a home safety audit: Falls are the leading cause of disability among seniors. The majority of falls older adults experience happen at home. By assessing your or a senior loved one’s home, you could identify and correct potential hazards. How to Conduct a Home Safety Audit for a Senior is a tool you may find useful for completing your evaluation.
- See the doctor regularly: Our final tip will help older adults maintain mobility and overall health. Find a primary care physician you feel comfortable with and see them regularly. Doing so can help identify and treat small problems before they become big ones.
Wellness Programs Abound at Five Star Senior Living
At Five Star communities, we have an abundance of wellness programs that support senior health. From walking programs to Tai Chi, swimming, stretching, and yoga, it’s an environment designed for successful aging.
You can request a list of wellness programs or schedule a private tour near you by calling (853) 457-8271 today!