Social and Sporting Pursuits for the Less Mobile Elderly Person

It is sadly inevitable that in most cases people will experience reduced mobility as they get older but this doesn’t mean that all social and sporting activities are off the menu. Just because you may be having more aches and pains and the joints are less flexible than before this is no reason why you can’t enjoy the things you used to. It just means you may have to look at different things you can try.

The NHS advises people to stay active as they age in order to stave off heart disease, diabetes and obesity and to help maintain their independence and well-being and this advice concurs with research by the Live-in Care Hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk).

Whether you enjoy hobbies such as knitting or crochet, gardening, reading or learning to play a musical instrument there is probably a group in your local area just waiting for you to join. Check your local newspaper, facebook groups or the local library for details of any craft or hobby groups. This kind of activity is perfect for those who have very limited mobility and even if you’ve never tried any of these activities before, when you join a group of likeminded people you can make new friends while you learn new skills.

It is always possible to take part in some form of exercise even if your mobility is creaking. Chair exercises or swimming are both excellent ways to keep your joints moving without causing further problems. If balance and falling are an issue try exercising holding on to a chair or walking frame. Tai Chi is a very gentle form of exercise to keep muscles and joints flexible and it can help to improve your balance. Your local health centre or GP surgery should be able to help with details of access to exercise.

When mobility is very difficult it can be hard to find ways to keep yourself interested and engaged with the world especially if you mostly are housebound. Whilst the No Place like Home report highlights the advantages to remaining in your own home rather than going into a care home it can still sometimes feel restrictive. A good way to combat any sense of isolation is to give to your local or wider community by helping charities. If you are able to get out and about why not volunteer for a local charity organisation. Or put your creative side to good use by making blankets and toys for a local animal shelter or hats for premature babies.

You may already have heard of walking football, but did you know there’s also walking rounders, cricket, netball and basketball? All around the country walking sports groups are popping up with the specific aim of attracting older and less physically able people. Not only can you have fun while making new friends you can improve your fitness at the same time.

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