Around 77% of adults over 50 would prefer to age in their own home, staying in place in the home they love and continuing to life their life in a place that is full of cherished memories according to the American Association for Retired People (AARP).
This is fully understandable and the greatest barrier to realizing this dream is mobility. As we age, our mobility often decreases and is the leading cause of decline, reducing life experiences and increasing the risk of trips and falls.
However, there has been a lot of research into this subject area and there are many things that can be done to minimize risk and shift the focus from treatment to prevention.
Move more
Research has revealed that there are many proactive interventions that promote healthy aging. And the great news is that these interventions can be simple and easy to implement. This includes simple actions like standing breaks which can significantly impact your strength and overall well-being.
These studies have revealed the power of standing and movement, that breaking up prolonged sitting with even brief periods of standing or movement can have profound benefits. It can improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of diabetes and enhance cognitive function.
Older adults who lose their mobility not only have a much poorer quality of life, but they are also less likely to remain living at home and experience higher rates of disease, disability, hospitalization, and death. As such, the case for movement is clear.
Technology to support
We live in a digital age and technology is having an increasing role in promoting mobility. Wearable devices and mobile applications are increasingly being used to track activity levels, provide feedback, and encourage healthy habits.
This technology allows for personalized interventions and real-time monitoring of progress.
One example of a wearable device for seniors are watches which track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep, provides medication reminders, and includes fall detection. Additionally, it offers features for emergency alerts, health monitoring, and even allows seniors to stay connected with family and caregivers through messages and calls, promoting both physical and social well-being.
Home mobility aids
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults aged 65 and older. They also highlight that home stairs are a frequent site of these falls.
Stairs pose a significant fall hazard, especially for those with balance issues, weakened legs, or impaired vision.
Steadi reports that ‘each year about 41,000 older adults die as a result of a fall – which represents 112 older adults every day’.
Home elevators also known as residential elevators, may significantly reduce the risk of falls in American homes by providing a safe and accessible alternative to stairs, particularly for individuals facing mobility challenges. They are the ultimate technological intervention, here’s how they help:
- Eliminating Stair Climbing: Home elevators eliminate the obstacle of stair climbing allowing you to move between floors independently and safely. A residential elevator removes this risk factor, promoting safety and independence within the home.
- Improved Accessibility: Home lifts make homes more accessible for everyone, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children or heavy belongings.
- Increased Independence: By enabling easier movement between floors, home lifts empower you to remain living independently in your own home for longer.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Eliminating the stress and anxiety associated with stairs can greatly improve your overall quality of life, allowing you to focus on doing the things you love and that are good for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Home elevators are particularly beneficial for seniors experiencing age-related mobility decline. They allow people to live independently in the homes they love and cherish with a much-reduced risk of falls, preventing mobility restrictions and enhancing happiness and overall quality of life.