Some aging adults are so determined to avoid falling that they’re willing to try some dangerous ideas. One such dangerous idea is the one that limiting movement and activity levels is a great way to avoid a fall. This is actually a really bad idea on multiple levels.
Limiting Activity Doesn’t Do What Your Senior Expects
Your senior might have gotten it in her head that limiting her movements is just the perfect response to a fear of falling. But that’s not going to do what she wants and expects it to do. If she’s had a fall before, her fear is holding her back from moving in ways that are healthy for her. If she hasn’t already experienced a fall, not moving as much is still a wrong move. Besides turning this into a self-fulfilling prophecy, there are other problems.
She May Become More Likely to Fall
Your senior needs to move in order to maintain her balance and the precious muscle mass that she still has. If she’s deliberately limiting her movements and her activities, that means that she’s more likely to experience muscle loss, even in a short period of time, and she’s going to be less likely to be able to keep her balance. These are all a recipe for disaster.
Exercise Can Be a Better Option
Even though she’s a little afraid right now, moving more is actually a better option for her. Your senior needs to build up her endurance, she needs to improve her balance, and she needs to gain strength. Talk to her doctor about whether exercise is right for her and work out a plan for her to start exercising. Moving even just a little bit more can boost her confidence immeasurably, which is likely to help her to avoid a fall.
Home Care Providers Can Help
Something else that can help is to have elderly care providers available for assistance. Your aging family member might not be able to do some activities any longer, like carrying around heavy laundry baskets, for instance. Turning those tasks over to elderly care providers gives your senior a chance to be able to move in ways that are safe for her to do so and to still get done what needs to get done.
As much as your senior might believe this is going to work, this isn’t the way to go. She really needs to look deeper at what some of her choices can do to make her life more difficult instead of easier. Avoiding moving and limiting her movements is going to backfire.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Northville, MI, or the surrounding area, please contact the caring staff at CareOne Senior Care today. Call us at (248) 308-2777.
