4 Easy Tips to Improve Mobility

Mobility decreases with age and there is little you can do to stop this phenomenon. By the time you’re in your 50s, you will most likely start to feel a little stiff, maybe overweight or “hefty”, and you won’t be able to run, stretch or play your favorite sport as you used to, a couple of decades ago.

Although you will eventually have to learn to live with reduced mobility, this doesn’t mean that you have to commit to a sedentary lifestyle. On the contrary, if you want to increase your life expectancy, feel young for a longer time, and still get to enjoy life’s little pleasures, here are some tips that will help you in the process.

1. Use warm-up & stretches to increase mobility and flexibility 

As little as 5-10 minutes of light stretching daily will improve the condition of your body and will help you become more flexible in time. With the right flexibility, you can enjoy a greater range of motion in your joints and even bend down and touch your toes again.

It only takes a few weeks of daily stretching to increase mobility and help you move faster and easier, without worrying about back or joint pains every time you step.

It is important to know that stretching is recommended to almost all people, regardless of their age and medical condition. It can prevent joint pain, sprains, twisted ankles, and other muscle and ligament problems that often occur with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of mobility.

2. Take collagen & calcium supplements 

Your bones will weaken with time, so don’t be afraid to supplement the needs of your body with vitamins and pills rich in collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium, and D3 vitamin. All these ingredients are mandatory for the strength and health of your bones and joints and can help you regain your mobility faster.

However, make sure to always check with your physician before taking any supplements as certain health conditions and diseases may not be compatible. Don’t forget that not taking calcium supplements according to your doctor’s prescription may cause more harm to your bones and spine.

3. Choose exercises that help improve knee strength and mobility

Stiff joints and knees are the ones that force you to spend more time indoors, in bed, contributing to a sedentary and bad lifestyle.

There are various exercises you can do at home to improve mobility and knee strength and, what’s most importantly, you won’t require any equipment or weights. Thus, these exercises can be performed by anyone, in the comfort of their own homes.

You should mainly focus on leg raises, squats, and hamstring curls. Start with 2 sets of 10 per each type of exercise, with a 2-minute break between sets. As time progresses, you will notice your mobility and flexibility have improved, and you are now able to do more reps and sets.

4. Make your home more senior-friendly 

Nobody wants to accept the fact that aging implies you’re no longer able to climb the stairs in your own house as frequently as before or take a long bath without having someone to help you get out of the tub.

After turning 60 or 70 you might want to reconsider some of your house equipment and accessories and make them more suitable for seniors.

Start by setting your master bedroom on the first floor so you won’t have to climb the stairs daily. You may also want to replace your regular tub with a walk-in shower that is more convenient, as well as checking out some of these toilets from Caregivingmag, suitable for people with reduced mobility.

This is a guest blog entry.