Maintaining Mobility To Maintain Independence

For people living with disability, it’s becoming more and more important to maintain as much mobility as possible. A new study published by the National Institute on Aging suggests that maintaining mobility is more important for independence, and, therefore, overall mental wellbeing, than any other factor. For people living with disability there are a few cutting edge ways in which they can attain their best possible level of mobility.

 

Alternative Therapies

Physical therapy for people living with disability has often focused on exercises that can be completed with a full focus on their area of decreased mobility. However, holistic treatment, and specifically aquatic therapy, has been shown to have a wider range of benefits than targeted treatment. Adapted for treatments that have been effective for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy by stimulating both a motor and cognitive response, a 2019 study published by the journal of Clinical Rehabilitation found that targeted aquatic therapy could bring a clinically significant improvement in mobility and balance. This, paired with a new approach to mental health, can improve mobility across the board.

 

The Link Between Mental Health and Mobility

A study published by the British Medical Council found that there is a link between mental health and mobility – and that it works both ways. People with a condition causing reduced mobility who had relatively low mental resilience to deal with the changes to their life reported lowered mobility, whereas those who were given the right support to address their condition reported better outcomes. Providing all-in mental health support for those living with a disability can, therefore, help to improve mobility; with the advent of assistive tech and therapy, this is helping to improve independence.

 

Assistive Technology

Technology has always played a part in aiding disability. Even a simple walking stick or cane is a piece of engineering designed to help individuals with their individual needs. Today, assistive tech is helping to provide that independence, while also enhancing an important factor for many people living with disability: breaking down stigma. According to The Guardian, the advent of everyday smart tech is helping to improve inclusion, develop mobility, and ultimately enhance independence for a new generation of people living with disability.

 

The key to understanding disability is remembering that it isn’t just about the physical effects of that disability. Independence is a complex thing that requires several different areas of input to develop. When it comes to disability, taking a holistic approach is essential.