Mobility-related disabilities affect about 33 percent of Canadian senior citizens.

That is about 1.3 million people. These mobility-related disabilities can seriously diminish someone’s quality of life. What’s more, disabilities that affect a person’s mobility cost Canada millions of dollars each year.

Is there something that can be done to prevent the development of mobility-related disabilities?

In some cases, perhaps. Here are a few preventative measures that can be taken against mobility-related disabilities:

– Take Vitamin D – Did you know that Vitamin D can help to “prevent falls, maintain mobility, and reduce age-related disability”? Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Learn more about Vitamin D for the prevention of mobility-related disabilities at http://updates.pain-topics.org/2012/06/vitamin-d-prevents-falls-disability-in.html.

– Eat a Proper Diet - Believe it or not, diet can play a big role in the prevention of disability. How can diet keep someone mobile? By strengthening his or her body. A nutritionist can help you learn what foods are the best and healthiest for you.

– Exercise - As you probably know, exercise can strengthen muscles. There is also a possibility that exercise can prevent (or delay) mobility-related disabilities. Are you interested in making exercise a regular part of your life? If so, remember that it is always a good idea to discuss a new exercise routine with your doctor before you begin it.

As you can see, there are several simple things you can do to help stave off mobility-related disabilities. Please speak to your physician to learn if there are other preventative steps that could be taken against such disabilities.

Disabilities that affect mobility are present in a large portion of Canada’s senior disability community.

Are you one of the 1.3 million Canadian senior citizens with a mobility-related disability? If so, how has your disability affected your life? Do you have any tips for slowing the progression of your disability? Leave us a comment — we are listening.

Sources:

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/disability_issues/reports/disability_profile/2011/fact_sheet/seniors.shtml

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/lifestyle-to-prevent-illness

http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/89/4/384.full

Image made available by o5com on Flickr through Creative Commons License.

*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority.  Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.

Let’s Talk About It

What is the most frustrating aspect of having a mobility-related disability? Why?