Assistance, Please - Mobility for Seniors

Does your loved one need a little extra help with their stability and mobility? For example, do they need a walker to get around or do they rely on you to get out of the car successfully? Here are some useful tips to make sure that they are able to utilize the help offered safely as well as some strengthening exercises to help them be as self sufficient with these tasks as possible.

Using a Walker

Looking at the images below, you may not initially see the issues that your senior is demonstrating with their posture. In fact, it may even look "normal" to the untrained eye. What a kinesiologist sees is quite different.

What kinesiologist sees from top-down:

• Cervical flexion – Looking down, causes neck stiffness

• Thoracic flexion – Leaning forward, causes weak back extensors

• Shoulder Extension – Arms far ahead, causes shoulder joint tightness

• Far distance from walker – Fall Risk, causes increased fall risk

Two exercises we would recommend for increased strength, balance and confidence are;

Seated Rows: 3 sets holding 10-12 repetitionsDirections:Place band around foot,

• heel can be on the floor

• Grab one end in each hand

• Start with arms forward

• Pull your elbows back and tucked in

• Squeeze your shoulder blades together

Repeat

Seated Quadricep Extension: 3 sets holding 10-12 repetitions

Getting Out of a Vehicle

Another common issue that we see is improper assistance helping a loved one in and out of a car. It is something that we all love to help with, but to assure that we are successfully doing so, is an important part of the job.

What kinesiologist sees from top-down:

• No arm & hand placement, causes decrease of balance, stability and increased fall risk

• Stress on Caregivers body, causes injury to caregiver, decreased flexibility, mobility and decreased range of motion

An exercise we would recommend is;

Single Leg Raises: 3 sets holding 10-12 repetitions

Directions:

• Hold onto chair or counter

• Stand on one leg

• Raise other sideways

• Hold for 3-5 seconds

• Lower your leg and repeat

• Switch to other leg

Notice this pattern in your everyday life? Please give Reneu Health Inc. a call!

We are a team of experienced clinical kinesiologists who specialize in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for seniors. We believe that aging is part of a beautiful journey and everyone deserves to live their best ​life. We understand that as our bodies get older, it doesn’t function the same. As some see this as a limitation, we see it as an opportunity. With the right mindset, knowledge, tools and support we help improve quality of life, slow the progression of certain conditions and help you take control of your health.

Call us today for a free consultation. San Diego 619.263.0329 or Orange County 949.245.6239.