The Importance of Normalising Mobility Aids For Younger Generations

Mobility equipment is often associated with ageing, but many conditions that require such aids can affect individuals at any stage of their life. Whether it’s due to illness, injury, or disability, these conditions can impact movement, balance and strength and can make daily tasks and maintaining independence a struggle. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of mobility aids and how introducing them early in life can support younger generations in maintaining their independence and well-being.

Conditions that require the use of mobility equipment

Below are some common conditions that necessitate the use of mobility equipment.

Back pain

Radiating pain across the back can impede mobility, with pressure placed on joints and muscles that can reduce flexibility in movement and dexterity in the arms, legs and hands, too.

Neurological conditions

Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis (MS), can affect control and coordination. This can lead to muscle weakness and stiffness, resulting in fatigue, balance loss and sensory issues.

Strokes

Strokes can result in partial paralysis, muscle weakness, and balance issues, making walking unsteady and unpredictable.

Hip and knee replacements

Recovery from joint replacement surgery often requires temporary or permanent mobility support while the affected area takes time to heal, making weight-bearing movements painful or difficult.

Hidden disabilities

Conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia, which may not be immediately visible, can impact mobility, with individuals often relying on wheelchairs, canes, or walkers to conserve energy, reduce pain, or prevent injury.

What is the Common Age For Back Related Pain

Back pain can develop at any age, but according to research from the National Library of Medicine, it most commonly becomes a problem between the ages of 12 and 41, with a higher prevalence after 30 years old. Since back pain is common at various ages, choosing the right beds, chairs, and seating positions is crucial for relief and long-term spinal health.

A good bed and mattress play a crucial role in reducing back pain. The right mattress helps distribute body weight evenly, aligning the spine properly and minimising pressure points that can worsen discomfort. Considerations for the right mattress include depth, firmness and heat or cooling properties.

While a good mattress plays a key role in back support, the bed frame and structure are just as important in preventing and reducing back pain. A supportive bed, like an adjustable bed, is ideal for people with chronic pain or mobility issues, allowing users to modify their sleeping position in order to relieve pressure on the lower back.

The Average Age of People Having Strokes is Falling

Recent data shows that the average age of stroke victims in the UK is decreasing. Between 2007 and 2016, the average age for men dropped from 71 to 68, and for women from 75 to 73. While strokes are more common in those aged 70 and above, around 38% of first-time strokes occur in individuals aged 40 to 69.

This trend highlights the importance of raising awareness and encouraging prevention, as strokes are increasingly affecting younger people. Recognising early signs and seeking prompt medical attention is critical in improving outcomes and reducing long-term effects.

Supporting Young Adults with Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions are often associated with older generations, but they can also affect younger adults. Unfortunately, these conditions are often underrepresented in the media and receive little awareness or have too few accessible resources dedicated to younger populations.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The average age of an MS diagnosis in the UK is 20 to 40 years. This chronic condition affects the central nervous system, where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres, leading to muscle weakness, vision problems and balance issues. Early diagnosis of MS is crucial in slowing its development and maintaining a good quality of life.

Beneficial mobility aids for individuals with multiple sclerosis include walking aids, such as canes, crutches and rollators. While electric mobility scooters, seated walkers and stairlifts are great options to increase mobility with a reduced reliance on upper body strength.

Epilepsy and seizures

These conditions begin as sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain and range from mild to severe. They impact education, work, and social activities and can affect consciousness, muscle stiffness and sensory changes. While those over 60 are most likely to be diagnosed with epilepsy and seizures, they’re also frequent in young children.

Mobility aids for those who experience epilepsy and seizures include wheelchairs, walkers, seizure detection bracelets and handrails.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of genetic disorders that lead to muscle weakness and degeneration. While most forms of MD are diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 6, the effects can continue into adolescence. Muscular dystrophy can lead to mobility challenges and respiratory issues.

Physical therapy has been proven to benefit those with muscular dystrophy, along with mobility aids that support general living and daily tasks including; electric wheelchairs, seated walkers and ankle-foot orthoses.

Why We Need to Normalise the Use of Mobility Aids

For many people, mobility aids can be empowering tools that promote independence and well-being. Early adoption of these helpful resources encourages healthy habits, supports good posture and movement, and can prevent additional physical health concerns down the line. Normalising the use of mobility aids can help to reduce the stigma and an association of dependency that might make individuals feel self-conscious or reluctant to seek the help they need.

Mobility aids have the capability to help individuals find more independence in their day-to-day lives. They significantly improve quality of life and make everyday tasks easier to undertake. By providing support, mobility aids enable individuals to navigate their environments with greater ease, whether at home, work, or in public spaces. This increased accessibility allows people to participate more fully in social, professional, and recreational activities, ensuring they can engage with the world around them in a way that is comfortable and safe.

Additionally, when mobility aids are viewed as an everyday tool, much like eyeglasses or hearing aids, society becomes more inclusive and accepting of people who require them.

Oak Tree Mobility are here to help

If you or a loved one are looking to overcome mobility challenges, whether due to a hidden disability or a medical condition, Oak Tree Mobility is here to help. We offer a premium range of rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, and bath lifts designed to improve your independence and quality of life. Request your FREE brochure today for more information.