As we age, activities that we once took for granted become more and more challenging. Even the simplest of movements, like getting up from a chair, can be difficult or impossible. This loss of mobility can create unexpected problems for senior citizens and lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and depression. If your senior citizen parent is having trouble with basic movements like sitting in a chair or getting in and out of bed, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help him or her regain a degree of mobility and independence. Well, the good news is that there is a wide range of products and activities that can restore a senior’s ability to sit, stand, and move around the house.

Understand the Cause

As with most elder care considerations, when you’re looking for solutions to basic mobility issues, it’s best to learn as much as you can about the underlying cause before you decide on an approach. Difficulties with sitting and standing can have a variety of causes, including loss of muscle tone, loss of muscle control, arthritis, and chronic pain. Talk to your parent about the difficulties he or she is experiencing, and if necessary consult with your parent’s physician or caregiver to learn more about the problem. This will help you choose an appropriate course of action.

#1: Exercise

As you are probably aware, loss of muscle is an inevitable part of the aging process. However, a moderate exercise program can help reduce the rate of muscle loss and can help immobile seniors regain some of their flexibility and stability. Many different muscle groups are needed for sitting and standing, including the hips, abdominal muscles, thighs, and legs. Building strength in these muscles can greatly improve a senior’s ability to sit and stand. Talk to a doctor about whether an exercise program focused on these muscle groups might be helpful for your parent.

#2: Lift Chairs

Many senior citizens face a daily dilemma; they need to remain seated for extended periods to avoid fatigue, but after sitting for several hours, they find themselves unable to get back up. A living room lift chair, which moves upward and rotates gently forward to help a seated person stand up more easily, can provide a tremendous benefit for a parent in this situation. Today’s lift chairs feature multiple positions and easy-to-use controls that allow seniors to get up without asking for assistance or risking an unnecessary fall.

#3: Grab Bars and Handrails

Bathrooms, with their hard surfaces and frequently wet floors, are especially dangerous rooms for a senior with mobility problems. You can help your parent stay safe and independent by installing grab bars and handrails to provide additional support for walking, sitting, and standing. Bathroom bars and rails are available in many different colors and materials, and they can be permanently affixed to walls or temporarily attached with suction cups.

#4: Walkers and Rollators

Keeping a walker or rollator (rolling walker) in the house is a great way to provide a mobile grab bar that goes where your parent goes. The walker’s handles can provide extra support to help a senior sit and stand with smooth, controlled movements. If your parent uses a rollator, be sure that the wheels are locked before your parent uses the rollator for this purpose.

Moving Beyond the Home

Regaining the ability to sit and stand independently can do wonders for a senior citizen’s state of mind and physical health. Once your parent is moving around the house with confidence, it’s time to take the next step and get outside and into the world. The ;Mobility Scooter Buyer’s Guide is a tremendous resource to help seniors and their families find safe, dependable personal transportation.