While we focus on finances and investing to help people in retirement planning, we try to have experts on our podcast to discuss lifestyle changes, too.

As you get older, changes go well beyond the monetary side of things. Mobility in retirement is one such change that can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life. We spoke with Mercedes Fernandez, Geriatric Physiotherapist and Adapted Exercise Expert, on the show this week to discuss this very topic.

Mercedes focuses on the study of human body movement. She grew up with her grandfather and works primarily with older adults. She saw that this field primarily focused on the young generation and not those who are older or elderly.

Her purpose is to help older adults stay mobile, get rid of the aches and pains, and still have the mobile freedom that allows them to live an independent life.

What are Some of the More Common Mobility Issues for Older Retirees?

Neck pain, lower back pain, and upper trapezoid pain are the most common areas Mercedes sees in older adults. For some folks the pain comes from walking with a cane or walker, but it can also come from sitting on the couch too much, looking at phones more often, or other reasons. Stretching can help to alleviate the tightness that often leads to neck issues.

StretchLab is a franchise that many people are using to help with mobility. They have flexologists that offer assistive stretching to alleviate tight muscles and the pain it eventually causes.

Simple stretches help ease pain and discomfort that many people don’t even realize is abnormal until they stretch on a regular basis. You can even do some of these stretches when:

• Sitting in the car
• Watching television
• Standing at the counter

If you do have a mobility device or are considering one, you’ll want to read through the next section carefully.

Mobility Devices and the Risk That They Pose

You may have seen mobility or assistive devices on television and think, “Well, how hard can it be to use these?”. You need a little help with mobility, and one of these devices seems like the perfect fit for you.

But if you use them improperly, it can lead to Kyphosis, which is the rounding of your upper back or what many people call “hunchback.”

Using the incorrect device or the correct device improperly can impact your:

• Posture
• Tightness
• Mobility

For example, when you see someone with a walker, pay close attention to how they reach for it. Often, the person will have the walker too low and will need to lean slightly down to pick it up and move it. Over time, the person will begin to hunch over to use the walker. Their feet may eventually become out of alignment and will try to keep up with the rest of their body in motion, which is a recipe for an eventual accident.

If you’ve considered ordering a walker on Amazon, it may be more convenient at first, but keep in mind there is no one to help you get started correctly.

You’ll also find that the world isn’t as accessible as it could be, so you’ll see some people dragging their walkers up a flight of stairs, which is a major safety hazard.

If you do need a mobility device, speak to a professional who can set it up correctly for you so you’re not hunching over and show you how to use it properly to reduce the risk of falling.

Hazards Inside of the Home

Little things that are hazardous are overlooked until something happens. You may have items of sentimental value in your home near walkways or sitting areas. Imagine if you use a walker or cane. Now, there is a possibility that as you navigate these tight spaces, your device could get caught or slip on them. As your mobility changes, consider the placement of your special items so they don’t become a safety risk.

Bathroom rugs are notorious for this because if you use a cane and lean on it, the rug slips and so do you.

You may also realize that it’s harder to:

• Reach the cabinet above your exhaust fan in the kitchen
• Pots and pans in the bottom cabinet

Unfortunately, homes aren’t always set up for mobility caution. Even if you’re 50 – 65 and you don’t currently have issues with walking or balance, it’s worthwhile thinking about prolonging your mobility and setting your home up properly now.

You should consider installing grab bars in the bathroom in case you get dizzy or lose your balance. Carpets or rugs that slip can have adhesives put on them to prevent unexpected movement. In the kitchen, something as simple as moving your heavy pots and pans to an easier location can make a dramatic improvement in your day-to-day life.

Preventing Mobility Issues or Prolonging Your Existing Mobility

You may be 65 and walk great with no balance issues at all, but in the future, a simple injury can change this in an instant.

Mercedes recommends that you keep moving. Walk more, sit less. A little exercise is good for you, no matter where you are. Wiggle your toes, lift your ankles, squeeze your bum (it’s good for your back) and even moving your neck side to side will help you remain mobile. Make sure to stretch often.

Even small things, like practicing reaching above the stove can help. If you don’t like lifting weights, that’s completely fine. You just want to keep moving and stretching as much as possible every single day.

Working With Mercedes and Her Process

To learn more about Mercedes, her process, and other resources on this topic, looking at her website is the best option. She offers customization for special groups, such as those who have had a stroke or brain injury. An exercise or health plan is created based on your:

• Goals
• Needs
• Medication
• Limitations

She also works with caregivers to assist them with helping aging parents or loved ones.

You’re aging every day, and the small changes that you make today can help you stay mobile in retirement. If you would like to reach out to Mercedes, click here to access her website.

And as always, if you want to discuss anything retirement-related with us, feel free to schedule a call with us or explore one of our books on Amazon.