As you age, you’re naturally going to lose some level of physicality. For some people, the reduction in strength and mobility is minor; perhaps you can’t run a full marathon anymore and have to stick to 5k runs. But for others, the mobility loss can be quite serious, and you might end up finding it difficult to go up and down the stairs or even to get in and out of the tub unassisted. This is a common issue, but what causes this natural decline in mobility? Keep reading to learn the common causes of mobility loss in senior citizens.
Joint Pain and Stiffness
Your joints are made up of connective tissues known as cartilage, which help the joint to be flexible and limber. But over the decades of your life, that cartilage will wear itself thinner and thinner a little bit at a time. By the time most people are in their retirement years, they experience some level of joint pain—also known as arthritis.
This is because the cartilage and other supporting tissues have been worn out; the bones no longer have as much padding, so there’s more friction in the joints and, therefore, more pain. This can also lead to inflammation that causes joint stiffness. Pain and stiffness in the parts of your body that are largely responsible for your mobility will naturally make it more difficult to get around.
Loss of Muscle Mass
Muscles are built by creating micro-tears in the muscle during exercise, which your body can naturally and quickly repair. This cycle of micro-damage and healing builds muscle mass and increases strength. But as you age, your ability to build those muscles diminishes, as your body can not repair those muscles as quickly or as well. While regular strength training will certainly maintain some muscle mass throughout your life, it’s unlikely that you’ll be as strong in your 70s as you were in your 30s.
Reduced muscle mass does more than reduce the amount of weight you can lift. It can also impact your balance and your ability to stand for prolonged periods of time—both things that impact your overall mobility.
Health Issues and Injuries
Finally, there is always the possibility that you can be diagnosed with a medical condition leading to mobility reduction. Degenerative disorders that impact the nerves, muscles, and skeletal system can all cause mobility to decline faster than it does for most people.
Injuries can also cause a sudden and dramatic mobility loss. Senior citizens have a much harder time recovering from broken bones, back injuries, and other such issues, and it can often lead to prolonged mobility problems.
If you’re experiencing significant mobility loss, look into walk-in bathtubs so you can maintain your independence while bathing.