Fix Poor Mobility As You Age – Our Tips And Guide

Retaining mobility as you age is very important for quality of life. Older people need to pay special attention to staying fit and mobile to avoid the risk of a fall. Fixing poor mobility means ensuring you get sufficient physical exercise, but also looking after your body in a holistic way. It requires mental and physical effort to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. So, never pass up the opportunity for a walk, jog, some weight training, swimming, or other physical activities.

One of the best ways to improve limited mobility is physical therapy. Your physical therapist will include stretching and strengthening exercises to improve your mobility. Below are some tips from our physical therapists in Queens NY, but remember that each person is different. Be sure to consult your therapist on how best to proceed.

Physical therapists portrait inside the gym. Physical therapy to keep our residents active and fix poor mobility.

Fix Poor Mobility by Building Muscle Strength

Weight-bearing exercises are best for building muscle and bone strength and will help to keep you mobile. Try to vary your exercises and build muscle strength gradually.

Weight-training and exercises like push-ups can build muscle strength but be sure not to overdo it. If you have arthritis, or hip or knee problems, seek advice from a physical therapist.

Learn better posture

Correct posture can improve blood circulation. Poor posture can lead to numerous health issues, including impaired mobility. The right posture will help to boost good blood flow and oxygen to the brain, heart and other organs. Therefore, it is important for your mobility.

Posture – in other words how you sit or stand – can affect mood, well-being, and mobility. Keeping your neck and shoulders relaxed, yet aligned with a straight back, is the ideal posture. This may not always be easy to remember but working at it will bring mobility benefits.

Take great care of the spine

Taking good care of your spine is also part and parcel of fixing poor mobility. Sleep on a firm mattress and wear comfortable shoes for walking to avoid back pain. Using a backpack rather than a carrier bag for shopping is a better option in terms of spine care. Back massages can help relieve pain, but the key thing is avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and keeping physically active.

Practice stretching and relaxing exercises

Some people find aerobics in time to music very relaxing. For others, the beauty of silence or the sounds of nature make the perfect environment for some relaxing exercises.

Stretching exercises, as in yoga, including chair yoga are a great way of improving mobility and calming the mind while getting beneficial exercise. Smooth and flowing movements, as in Tai Chi, are also great for fixing poor mobility.

Lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet, and quitting smoking are also important for keeping mobile. Keep a sense of proportion and, if possible, try to exercise in the company of others. That makes it more fun, and you will be more motivated to keep at it.

Elderly people may have recently recovered from surgery, or have physical issues, or chronic conditions that compromised their mobility. If you want to use gym equipment, first get a physical therapist or a trained specialist to show you how to use it safely. In view of this, caution is needed to stay safe.

This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.