{"id":804,"date":"2021-10-23T16:46:56","date_gmt":"2021-10-23T20:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.activeagingcanada.ca\/blog\/?p=804"},"modified":"2021-10-23T16:46:57","modified_gmt":"2021-10-23T20:46:57","slug":"mobility-a-use-it-or-lose-it-phenomenon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.activeagingcanada.ca\/blog\/active-living\/mobility-a-use-it-or-lose-it-phenomenon\/","title":{"rendered":"Mobility A \u201cUse it or Lose it\u201d Phenomenon"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Sandra Webber, PhD<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most people don\u2019t need to be convinced of the importance of being able to get around. It\u2019s vital for independence. It means being out there in the community when and where we choose. It means easy connections to friends and family. Mobility is closely linked to both physical and psychological health.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When mobility is impaired by problems such as arthritis or being overweight, activities become restricted. This results in physical deconditioning \u2013 loss of strength, balance, and co-ordination.<\/p>\n

Mobility limitation has been shown to be an early predictor of physical disability, depression, falls, loss of independence, and institutionalization.<\/p>\n

To maintain mobility, it is important to stay active in safe ways. The traditional \u201cuse it or lose it\u201d clich\u00e9 applies. Any form of walking \u2013 outdoors, in the hallways, at the mall \u2013 is a good idea. Walking builds cardiovascular fitness, muscle endurance, balance, and bone mass. The more we walk, the better we respond to challenges in the environment, such as walking uphill or over uneven ground. That reduces the risk of falls.<\/p>\n

Any aerobic activity, such as walking, swimming, dancing, or cycling, helps with weight control and improves the symptoms of arthritis. This kind of exercise strengthens the large muscles in the hips and legs \u2013 crucial for things like getting up from a chair and climbing stairs.<\/p>\n

\"Mobility<\/p>\n

For more ideas on keeping fit and mobile, check out Canada\u2019s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults<\/a>, available on the Public Health Agency of Canada<\/a> website.<\/p>\n

About the Author<\/em><\/p>\n

Sandra Webber<\/strong> has a background in physiotherapy and teaches at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on mobility issues in older adults, the importance of strength and power, and physical activity after knee and hip joint replacements.<\/p>\n

A few more tips on healthy aging:<\/h2>\n

Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications regularly. This ensures you are getting the best treatment effects and a minimum of side effects.<\/p>\n

If you drive, get your vision checked regularly.<\/p>\n

Keep your mind active. Do things that challenge cognition, such as reading, playing chess, card games, crossword puzzles, or crafts.<\/p>\n

Try to stay \u201cconnected.\u201d Maintain a wide social network. Stay abreast of the transportation options in your community. People who do this have more mobility choices available to them.<\/p>\n

Click Here for print PDF file – Active Living – Mobility Use it or Lose it Phenomenon<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by Sandra Webber, PhD Most people don\u2019t need to be convinced of the importance of being able to get around. It\u2019s vital for independence. It means being out there in the community when and where we choose. It means easy connections to friends and family. Mobility is closely linked to both physical and psychological health. … Continue reading Mobility A \u201cUse it or Lose it\u201d Phenomenon<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":806,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-active-living"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t