If you’re among the 20% of Canadians aged 65+ with a mobility problem, you may be considering a mobility scooter. If you’re not sure whether a mobility scooter is for you, continue reading to discover the top five benefits!

Get out and about more easily

If you have mobility problems, you may find yourself spending more time indoors and less time going out and doing the activities you enjoy. Whether it’s going to the theatre, your local shopping mall, or simply getting out and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, a mobility scooter can help open up the world again.

What’s more, scooters can usually be taken on public transport, accessible taxis, and even on planes, so there are more opportunities to visit the places that you want to go!

Boost your independence

Doing what you want to do is great, but it’s also important to be able to do what you need to do. The loss of independence that comes with mobility issues can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and even depression. A mobility scooter can help restore some of that independence and boost your self worth. So, whether it’s a trip to the doctors, the supermarket, or your local bank, you won’t need to rely on others for your daily errands.

Help prevent injuries

Falls are the greatest cause of injury among Canadians aged 65+ and account for 85% of hospitalizations. Mobility scooters can help prevent falls and therefore help avoid some of the consequences, such as chronic pain, reduced mobility, and loss of independence.

Move around comfortably

Even if you’re able to get out and about by yourself, you may find that you tire quickly or experience joint pain when spending too much time on your feet. A mobility scooter can make longer trips outside of home more pleasant by helping you avoid fatigue, aches, and pains. What’s more, modern scooters have been designed with comfort in mind – they can be adjusted to suit your height and often feature suspension to cushion any bumps in the road

Improve your social life

According to Statistics Canada, 19-24% of Canadians over 65 feel isolated and wish they could participate more in social activities. Loneliness has been linked to a variety of mental and physical health problems, including heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and even Alzheimer’s. A mobility aid such as a scooter can help give your social life a boost. It can help you visit friends and family members more easily, as well as simply getting out and interacting with people in your local community.

If you think a mobility scooter could be for you, Wellwise by Shoppers™ has a wide range available that you can browse here.

Other mobility solutions to consider

A scooter is one way of boosting your mobility, but there are a range of other options available. If you only have minor mobility issues, you might want to start off with a cane. Meanwhile, a rollator or a walker could be a possibility if you enjoy walking but need a little more support.

If you’d like to discuss all the mobility options available to you, you can visit a Wellwise by Shoppers™ location where our expert staff will be happy to assist you.

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information in this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-654-x/89-654-x2016005-eng.htm

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/seniors-falls-canada-second-report/seniors-falls-canada-infographic.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/partners/seniors-forum/social-isolation-toolkit-vol1.html

https://harmonyhomemedical.com/pages/benefits-of-using-mobility-scooters

https://www.bluebadgemobilityinsurance.co.uk/news/5-benefits-of-a-mobility-scooter

https://www.ucan2magazine.co.uk/content/6-benefits-owning-mobility-scooter