A new study by the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme, a joint initiative by Research Council UK (RCUK), shows there is a clear relationship between mobility, health and well-being.
The research mapped mobility levels of people between 72 and 92, and outcomes showed that maintaining mobility is essential for healthy ageing.
It also highlighted the need for good transport networks and a variety of local services which meet older people’s needs.
“Mobility is hugely important in terms of older people being able to remain independent,” explains Dr Lynn McInnes.
“Reduced mobility can restrict a person’s social life as well as limiting their access to shops, leisure and other activities. People fear not being able to look after themselves and being a burden on others,” she added.
The daily mobility activities of a fairly active group of people showed that 70 per cent of the day is spent sitting or lying, 22 per cent of the day standing and seven per cent of the day walking. The furthest distance travelled from their home is on average four miles, or approximately 23 miles in a single week, spread over five journeys per week. As much as 78 per cent of the day is spent indoors and 14 per cent of the day is spent on outdoor activities.
Evidence suggests that sitting most of the time is an important factor to take into account when looking at patterns of behaviour. The daily life of a person includes a combination of active, non-active or brief activities. These patterns suggest that changes occur as people age and starting an activity may be harder later in the day.
This project has helped to establish a reliable mobility profile of the oldest-old members of society by determining where individuals go and how active they are in the process and shows there is a clear relationship between mobility, health and well-being. It is encouraging to know that old age is not necessarily a time of ill health, a decline in thought processes or becoming a burden. Participants in this study exemplified ‘successful ageing’.
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