Old age often comes with factors such as limited mobility, social isolation, and sadness. Most of the elderly population has an intense emotional reaction, especially in the loss of mobility, compared to the general population. As such, the elderly are likely to portray the following behaviors and traits after mobility loss:
- Violent reactions.
- Feelings of shame and regret.
- Separation from other people; social exclusion.
- Reduced activity.
- Physical fatigue and sluggishness.
- a state of ill health
Mobility aids such as a power chair or mobility scooter allows the elderly with mobility issues to participate in more life-enriching activities and rediscover their yearning for social interaction.
Limited Mobility Does Not Have To Imply A Lack Of Happiness
Consider the following situations to get a better understanding of the possible link between mobility loss and depression in the elderly:
A 75-year-old man has difficulty going up the stairs in his house and cannot get to his bedroom. He starts sleeping on the downstairs couch since he doesn’t have the energy to make it to his bed. He also withdraws from inviting other people to his house out of embarrassment. The man is alone, lonely, and in pain, and he has lost all enjoyment in life.
The second scenario is of a 63-year-old lady. She gets a serious injury after taking a severe fall hence suffering a severe hip fracture. As a result, she may need to use a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Her husband takes care of her daily, assists her in getting around, and supplies her with what she needs. She spends most of her days lying quietly on her bed, not wanting to be a burden to anybody.
As such, personal mobility loss may be depressing and demoralizing. However, mobility limitation doesn’t mean the quality of your life has to reduce.
Renewal Of Mobility Which Renews Individual’s Life
Those with mobility issues who cannot fully enjoy life or whose loved ones cannot do so should not give up as there is hope for them. Let us look at the earlier scenarios, but this time with additional mobility solutions to each one of them.
The 75-year old man who experiences discomfort ascending the stairs in his house decides to visit a doctor for a mobility assessment. His doctor recommends that he use a cane as well as a sitting stairlift. As a result, he decides to establish a weekly reading club now that he has greater mobility in his home. He also sleeps peacefully in his upstairs bedroom every night.
The 63-year-old woman with a severe hip fracture in a fall will need lifelong assistance with movement. She will need to use a power wheelchair as per the advice of her physical therapist. Now, she and her husband get together with friends and attend church services in their neighborhood. She can even cook for the household on her own without the help of her husband.
You or a loved one will possibly benefit from using a mobility assistance device such as a cane, walker, power chair, scooter, or personal lift to make life easier.