Special restorative or rehabilitative programs can help maintain mobility that is consistent with the individual’s overall health status. However, even when all the necessary precautions are taken, elders are prone to have decreased mobility.

• Mobility is how an individual moves from one place to the other.
• Falls are often the result of impaired mobility.
• Impaired mobility can affect all aspects of daily living such as bathing, eating, dressing, and household activities.
• When mobility is impaired, there is an accompanying loss of independence in elders which can result in depression, decline in multiple organ systems, and an increase in risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colon cancer.
• Mobility can be impaired due to weakness, stiffness, and pain. In addition, prolonged inactivity, illnesses, and medications can reduce mobility.
• An exercise program including strength and flexibility training can help most elders maintain mobility and independence resulting in an overall improved quality of life.

Risk Factors Associated with Mobility

• Age
• Medications
• Impaired mobility
• Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Muscle weakness
• Medical conditions including, but not limited to, stroke neurological diseases, degenerative joint disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and depression
• Not adhering to the prescribed plan of care