Keeping mobile and staying steady
Be active and mobile
Everyone can be active and mobile – even at an older age. Mobility and physical well-being have a major impact on your quality of life.
It’s never too late to begin to exercise. Gentle exercises can build your strength, coordination and mobility. There are many online exercises you can try at home – pick one that suits you. Group community classes are available.
You may need help to keep you mobile or you may be worried about falls. There’s lots of equipment and aids available to help you get around and about, e.g. walking sticks or grab rails. It’s important you use this equipment if it’s been recommended. If you’re unsure, ask your health or social care professionals.
If you’re not in good health or have had a health scare, you should ask your GP or health professional for advice about what you can do – any exercise is better than none.
After a crisis (e.g., a hospital visit), some people need to work with health and council therapists/staff for a few weeks to regain their confidence and relearn how to move about. Staff will give you advice about keeping moving.
Ensure your shoes fit well, have enough grip and don’t slip off. Discuss foot problems with your GP or a chiropodist.
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Staying steady and dealing with falls
Having a fall is not an inevitable part of ageing, and it’s not just the very frail or infirm who are at risk.
Whatever your age, there are some fairly modest changes you can make to your lifestyle and your home, which will help you stay safe and steady on your feet. The sooner you do this, the better!
Tips
- Dizziness can make you fall. If you feel dizzy or you feel tingly when you stand, move around, or change direction, and if this doesn’t go away, you should talk to your GP.
- Sight and sound help you keep your balance. Make sure you have regular eye and hearing tests with your optician and NHS and use any glasses or equipment prescribed. You may be eligible for free NHS eye and hearing tests.
- To prevent slips and trips at home, make sure hazards are removed, such as wires and beware of slippery surfaces. Take care when walking outside and use footwear with good grips and walking aids if needed.
- Alcohol and some medications can affect your balance and mobility – check with your GP about medications and reduce your alcohol intake.
- Simple and gentle strengthen and balance exercises can help improve your leg strength, balance and coordination to help avoid falls. Ask your GP – there are exercise classes and therapies that can help.
- Haringey Community Alarm Services can assess you and give you equipment (e.g. a button pendant you can wear). If you fall at home, press the button and help will arrive 24/7.
Who to contact
If you have any of the health issues described above, please contact your GP.
Useful external links
- NHS: How to improve your strength and flexibility
- Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
- NHS: Hearing tests
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