On Sunday, March 1, Phyllis D. was looking to purchase a medical alert device. She’d fallen in her tub earlier that week, and was looking to get herself protected for the future should she fall again. During her conversation with Life Safety Consultant Carolyn Rim, Phyllis explained that she was still living an active, independent lifestyle; she enjoyed volunteering, socializing with her friends, and taking walks in her neighborhood. Upon Carolyn’s recommendation, Phyllis purchased a Mobile Guardian.
On Tuesday, April 28, Phyllis went for a quick walk, as she did most days. At around 11:30 in the morning, she tripped on the sidewalk. She was alone and approximately 20 minutes from her home. She was not badly injured, but she did feel woozy and lightheaded from her fall. Luckily, Phyllis was able to press the button on her Mobile Guardian and speak directly to the operator, who pinpointed Phyllis’ location and sent her help right away.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults is falls. Fortunately, Phyllis was proactive about her fear of falling before she experienced a second fall, and now both she and her family enjoy the peace of mind knowing that she can get help whenever and wherever she needs it.
The Benefits of an Active Lifestyle
Phyllis is a perfect example of a senior who is able to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle by engaging in a variety of activities: walking daily, volunteering, and socializing with friends. Older adults may hesitate to begin an active lifestyle, but studies have shown that engaging in these types of activities is beneficial for your health. Not only does it lead to mobility, independence, and fun, but maintaining an active lifestyle can actually help you live a longer life.
In addition to these benefits, maintaining an active lifestyle is important for seniors for the following reasons:
- Exercise improves your mood by releasing mood-boosting endorphins. This can lesson feelings of depression and loneliness.
- Simply taking daily walks can help lessen the risk of poor blood flow, difficulty walking and breathing, and unsteady balance.
- Physical activity can help encourage better mental health and improve cognitive functioning. Like anything else, these benefits occur in a cycle: when you exercise, your entire body receives more blood flow, which increases cell growth, which in turn slows the process of mental and cognitive decline.
- It may be surprising, but exercise actually speeds up and improves the healing and recovery process from a surgery or injury.
- Taking part in social activities can help seniors remain motivated, engaged and healthy.
Don’t let your hesitations hold you back from maintaining an active lifestyle and from enjoying these benefits with the help of a mobile alert device to ensure your safety on the go.
