Being able to walk confidently is often a big factor in an older person’s ability to stay living at home – a significant loss of mobility is often the trigger for more care or even a move towards residential care.
It is not just the physical loss of mobility that people experience as they age, but a loss of confidence in their mobility, too.
These things are often closely linked and can exacerbate each other: a loss of confidence can lead to a loss in mobility, and with a loss in mobility comes a further loss in confidence.
Here are some tips to improve confidence with walking:
1. Walk more!
If confidence is lost in walking ability, it’s not too late to build it back up.
Try starting with very some short walks in a safe spot. You could set up two chairs somewhere in the house or garden and start by walking between them – with a friend or helper close by if it feels safer.
Once you feel comfortable with that, gradually try longer distances.
2. Set a goal
Having a goal helps to motivate you and focus on what can be done, rather than what can’t be done.
That way, when working towards a goal you’ll spend more time thinking about achieving it, rather than worrying about what you can’t do, yet.
A walking goal might be something like this:
“I want to be able to walk to the café with my granddaughter and her dog.”
This is a meaningful goal and if you think about that coffee and chat with your granddaughter as you complete your exercise and walking program, you’ll have a greater chance of making it happen!
3. Get family and friends involved
Tell your family and friends about your goals to improve your confidence and mobility.
That way, they can do things that will help you to improve and maybe even join in the fun and get some exercise themselves!
If you have any questions or just want to chat in more detail about how The Physio Co can help you move more with confidence, please call 1300 797 793 and speak to Nancy, Julia or Jess from the TPC Client Care team – they are ready and waiting to hear all about your situation and connect you with one of our mobile physios.
Alternatively, email the team on [email protected].
1300 797 793