Mobility Aids That Can Help You Age Well

Aging well can make the difference between asserting your own wishes and aging in place or being stuck with compromises to your quality of life. There are some simple ways to contribute to aging well and one is to adopt mobility aids to help. These need not be expensive and they may reduce the risk of a nasty fall and subsequent loss of mobility.  

Did you know that September is Healthy Aging Month? This is the ideal time to make an assessment and take inventory of your holistic health and well-being. Make small changes and modifications to everyday life that can have a great impact on autonomy and quality of life. One such way to preserve wellness is with mobility aids, but more on that later! 

Aging well basically amounts to getting older without medical issues and limitations that compromise your independence and autonomy. When you lose physical capabilities, it can influence aging in place and remaining in your own home environment over the lifespan.  

Aging Well 

So, how does one go about aging well? There are lots of common-sense tips and tactics out there. Here are a few that may help! 

• Experts tend to agree on this one issue, and that is how exercise reduces the risk of many health problems and conditions. For instance, regular physical activity can lower your risk of heart disease and hypertension, while also helping you to look better and age gracefully. Exercise strengthens bones and keeps muscles more limber, too.  
• Along with exercise comes diet: a healthy diet can also help you age well and keep you free from a wide array of health issues. You can lower heart disease, as well as maintain mental wellness with the right diet. Talk to your doctor about recommending a heart-healthy diet rich in lean meats, fresh veggies, and whole grains.  
• Falls are the number-one health risk facing those over age 60 and a nasty fall can turn life upside-down for an independent senior. Falls exacerbate current conditions and many never recover. Falls are the number one reason why older Americans present at the emergency room and the main precipitant of an inpatient or skilled nursing stay. Preventing falls should be the main priority, including things like decluttering the home, removing fall hazards, and utilizing mobility aids.  
• Stay sharp across the lifespan by engaging in puzzles or games that make you think. Practice activities that engage memory to preserve cognition as you get older. Card games and word puzzles are a couple of suggestions.  
• Always see your provider or doctor routinely. Show up for appointments. Ask questions and stay on top of your healthcare.  

Don’t overlook aches, pains, or problems. They could be signs of an underlying issue. Learn to listen to your body and don’t overdo.  

Aids for Aging Well 

Mobility aids that can help you age well run the gamut from very discreet and inexpensive to major installations in your living situation. Create a safer home environment with some very simple devices and aids.  

Some mobility aids that can help you age well include these: 

• Walkers offer stability and support as you build stamina after an injury or surgery as well as a means of reducing the risk of a fall for those with mobility challenges.  

• Grab bars can be implemented across the home, discreetly and subtly, providing a sturdy grip when using various areas of the home. Some popular spots to install inexpensive grab bars include near sinks, the toilet, at the bottom, and at the top of stairs.  
• Stairlifts can be lifesavers when it comes to aging in place, ensuring accessibility to upper levels of the home for those living there. If your bathroom or bedroom is upstairs, a lift can provide a sense of security in the home environment. Again, lifts help users age well with reduced risk of a fall.  
• Have you ever fallen or stumbled when reaching for something that you could not quite access? Reaching tools look like a claw, with an extendable arm that allows for easier access to out-of-reach items. These are great for getting to items in overhead bins or cupboards, as well as under kitchen cabinets which tend to be deep and tough to tackle.  
• Scooters are another mobility aid that can help you age well and safely. The range of scooters and power chairs is endless these days. There is literally something to suit any and all needs. Scooters provide a means of autonomy for those with mobility issues or limitations. Check out the options online to pinpoint the type of scooter that makes the most sense for you or your loved one.  

Talk to your provider or practitioner to find out if a prescription for mobility aids makes sense and if it is something that may be covered by insurance with a reduced out-of-pocket cost for you.  

Want to age well? Enhance accessibility and autonomy with mobility aids from Pacific Mobility, and call or visit to learn more today!