7 Mobility Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Be it in ourselves or our loved ones around us, the gradual decline of the human body can be something many of us like to ignore. As a result, many physical ailments go unchecked until something serious happens.

Whether it be for managing your health, supporting a loved one, or guiding patients or clients, recognising the signs below early can help prevent further complications.

1 – Regular Aches and Joint Pain

Its easy to dismiss recurring aches and pains as a regular part of the aging process. Some might choose to live with it or simply hope that the pain subsides. Leaving even small issues unchecked and unaided will only lead to further aggravation.

2 – Trips and Falls

The risk of a fall grows with age. One in three 65+ year olds and half of 80+ years olds fall at least once a year. This can be due to many factors, including poorer eyesight, declining muscle mass, limited mobility, or another risk factor. To make matters worse, they also become harder to recover from.

3 – Breathlessness During and After Working

An aid like a walking frame or stick not only improves stability but also encourages a forward-leaning posture. This posture will allow the diaphragm to move more freely during breathing. As a result, users may find it easier to take deeper breaths, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions or reduced lung capacity.

4 – Experiencing Bouts of Dizziness

Spells of dizziness will compromise balance and lead to trips and falls. Dizziness may be brought about by a variety of sources, including low blood pressure, ear infections or even anxiety.

5 – Avoiding Events and Gatherings

For those who were formerly outgoing but increasingly wary of the hazards of socializing, avoiding gatherings can be a big sign that mobility has become an issue. This could be due to an overall lack of confidence, the increased risk of falling or concerns about the facilities at the destination.

6 – Using Furniture for Balance

If someone is frequently relying on furniture, walls and nearby fixtures for balance, they are already reliant on mobility aids. Proper aids, built for purpose like handrails, walking sticks or rollators, will be safer/reliable than these makeshift solutions.

7 – Anxiety regarding the Weather

Few relish tackling the wind and rain when leaving the house. However, strong winds, wet ground, and poor visibility become a massive risk to those lacking balance and stability in their everyday mobility.

If you have any queries or need advice on how to best serve your or somebody else’s mobility needs, do not hesitate to reach out to the team.