Living a Healthy Life with Limited Mobility

Home care experts Helping Hands, share their advice to help those with limited mobility to live a healthy life.

It could be that you are coming to terms with limited mobility, or perhaps you are trying to make healthy changes to your lifestyle. Whatever your circumstances may be, you can introduce diet changes, gentle daily exercises and brain stimulation through these handy tips to make living a healthy life with limited mobility easier.

Adapting To a New Diet

Whether it is short or long term, adapting your diet to your mobility level is important - but we understand it can also be a little daunting. The most vital thing to remember is not to put too much pressure on yourself; small changes can make a big difference. If you're looking to adapt your diet or simply don't know where to start, here are a few tips to get you started:

• One of the most effective things you can do is monitor your portion sizes. When you have limited mobility, it's likely that you will burn less calories, but instead of cutting out meals or missing out on your favourite food, keep an eye on your portion sizes - this could mean measuring out your ingredients or even serving your meal on a smaller plate.
• Avoid basing your diet on processed foods. They may seem like the easiest option, but processed meals are often high in sugar and contain 'empty calories', which means you're not necessarily getting all the nutrients you need. Try and include vegetables in at least two meals a day and fruit in at least one. Opt for wholegrain pasta and bread where possible.
• Drinking plenty of water is even more beneficial than simply staying hydrated - it can settle false feelings of hunger and keep you energised.
• Seek out healthy alternatives to your favourite meals. Whether it is a sweet treat, or fish and chips, there are many adaptations that mean that you don't have to compromise on flavour.
• A great way to ensure that you are eating a balanced diet is meal planning. Pick your favourite meals packed full of nutrients ahead of time, that way you know you'll always have the ingredients stocked up.

Daily Exercise Tips

The benefits of regular exercise are endless and having limited mobility doesn't mean you can't engage in gentle activity. From the release of endorphins to boost your mental wellbeing, to building strength and supporting balance, daily exercise can be beneficial to your physical and mental health and contribute to a more confident you.

• We understand that the idea of daily exercise can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Simply start with short, manageable sessions of 10 minutes of gentle movement at a time, building up over time as and when you feel you can.
• Everyone is different and you may find some activities that don't suit you or your mobility, so try different things to find what works best for you. There are many options available to those with limited ability, such as chair exercises, yoga, adapted sports and hydrotherapy.
• Start your day with some simple movements - that way you're guaranteed your daily exercise and a positive start to the day.
• Regular movements are recommended to influence healthy circulation. Set reminders or have visual cues around the home to help you remember to get moving. You could even take the opportunity to stick on your favourite song and have a dance or a chair-shimmie!

Keeping your Brain Stimulated

Exercising your mind is just as necessary to maintaining a balanced lifestyle. There is a connection between mental and physical health, which means that keeping your brain active can be a strong contributor to a healthy lifestyle.

• Exercising your mind is just as necessary to maintaining a balanced lifestyle. There is a connection between mental and physical health, which means that keeping your brain active can be a strong contributor to a healthy lifestyle.
• Reading is a fantastic way to stimulate your mind. Whether you're diving into a fiction or learning more about your favourite topic, a book can transport you to another world, or more simply ensure that your day is full of wonderful characters.
• Discover a new hobby to get your brain working, perhaps mindful colouring that can help reduce stress, or writing down your favourite memories for future generations to enjoy.
  Staying stimulated shouldn't be a chore and including a new activity into your routine is a fantastic way to learn new skills.
• Listening to music and watching television don't have to be passive activities. Listen to your favourite songs or pop on a documentary and then discuss them with a loved one or carer. Talking (or perhaps even writing) about things that you're passionate about is a simple task that really engages your mind.

Helping Hands 

With 30 years' experience providing individually tailored home care across England and Wales, Helping Hands offer expert support at home ranging from 30-minute visits up to full-time live-in care. If you need fast-response support, Helping Hands can often begin your bespoke care plan within 24 hours of your initial enquiry.

For more information, please call 0330 818 3898 or visit www.helpinghands.co.uk