CKCG Health Care Services spotlights mobility impairments and challenges among the aging community. Mobility awareness discussion covers prevention, caregiver assistance for mobility patients, mobility improvement, and mobility topics

1. Mobility Awareness

2. Mobility in Aging
• Mobility is a key indicator of how well a person is aging; a
change in mobility usually leads to other changes across the
board in a one’s health (1)
• Mobility issues can occur as a part of the natural aging
process while some result from an illness, condition or birth
defect

3. Causes of Mobility Challenges
• The cause of mobility loss is rooted in changes to the central
nervous system, muscles, joints, and physiological systems (2)
• Changes in the bones also a factor in mobility (6)
• Increased stress on the joints also a contributing factor (7)
• Mobility loss three times higher among those with sedentary
lifestyle than those with active lifestyles (11)
• Weight is also a factor in mobility loss (12)
• Surgery to major limbs

4. Conditions Known to Elevate Risks of
Mobility Challenges
• Osteoporosis most often affects older women (5)
• Fibromyalgia causes tenderness in soft tissue, producing pain
(13)
• Parkinsons disease causes tremors and lead to stiffness (14)
• Stroke can lead to partial paralysis in some patients (15)
• Anemia also known to cause mobility issues (16)
• Spinal cord injuries result in mobility impairments (21)

5. Improving Mobility for the Aging
• Two-thirds of people over age 65 with a disability
report issues with walking (17)
• People with mobility challenges are more likely to
report being unhappy or dissatisfied with life (8)
• Increased activity levels, improved balance, and
exercise shown to improve mobility impairments

6. Mobility Changes Not to Be Ignored
University of Alabama researchers
encourage individuals to consider
the following
1. Difficulty climbing the stairs or
walking ¼ miles
2. Change in walking/stride/gait to
climb stairs or walk short
distances? (4)
• Changes in gait (10)
• Changes in range of motion are a telling sign
• Increased fatigue and signs of weakness
• Problems getting up and sitting down
• Issues climbing stairs or walking short distances
• Complaints of pain and stiffness in joints
• Frequent recurring injuries like
strains/sprains/tightness

7. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Mobility
Conditions
Short-Term (< 6 mos)
• Complications resulting
from surgery
• Lingering injury symptoms
resulting from
sprains/strains
• May require temporary
use of assistive device
Long-Term (> 6 mos)
• Conditions like
fibromyalgia, cerebral
palsy, multiple sclerosis
• Caused by birth defects
• May require long-term
personal care

8. Taking Steps to Care for Those
with Mobility Challenges
• Support groups for people with similar mobility
challenges can be a great help
• Get the person the help the physician or caseworker
recommends
• Make sure the team of family members and
caregivers are assembled as far in advance as
possible
• Provide activities and opportunities for socialization
to prevent isolation

9. Promoting Safety in Exercising
Activities that Promote Mobility
• Low impact exercise improves quality of life among those with
musculoskeletal conditions (9)
• Core strength enhances mobility (17)
• Make sure steps are taken to improve balance
• Follow these recommended exercise guidelines (18)
• Improve flexibility (19)
• Get appropriate footwear with proper support (20)
 Walking
 Swimming
 Tai Chi
 Yoga
 Dancing
 Water aerobics
 Canoeing

10. Preventing Falls Among Those with
Mobility Conditions
• Prepare the home with any modifications that may be
needed if long-term condition
• Clear floor of any clutter in the home
• Rearrange the floorplan to make it easier to navigate
• Make sure walking aid training is provided if walker, cane,
wheelchair or other mobility device to be used

11. When to Consider Caregiver
Assistance
Getting a caregiver is a tough decision. Balancing the need for independence
against managing a loved one’s comfort level and safety are at the heart of the
decision.
Commons signs that a caregiver may be a wonderful resource to look into:
1. Family members not nearby
2. A change in person’s condition warrants increased supervision
3. Primary family caregiver resource overburdened
4. Skilled nursing expertise a dire need for loved one
5. Primary family caregiver has work obligations or other commitments
outside home
6. Primary care physician or caseworker recommendations
7. Recent fall injuries, series of health scares
8. Noticeable change in person’s mobility causes concern for family member

12. Discussing Mobility with Physician
• Talk about it! Openly discuss challenges and changes in mobility with physician
• Track symptoms. Keep a journal of symptoms
• Be transparent. Discuss any falls that may be contributing to discomfort
• Ask questions. The physicians are there to help, and they need information.
• Frequency. Be prepared to talk about how often the symptoms occur.
• Bring company. A family member or caregiver may be helpful during a routine
visit.

13. I’m Concerned About My Loved One’s
or My Own Mobility Challenges
What Can I Do?
Talk to your physicianLow impact exerciseMaintain a balanced
lifestyle