Document Text
--- Document: MyMobility Plan Document ---
1 in 4 adults
now 65
will live to 90+
MyMobility Plan
What can you do to stay independent?
Many people make financial plans for retirement, but not everyone plans for
other changes that may come with age. This includes changes in your
mobility—your ability to get around.
There may be a
time when you still need
to get around, but can
no longer drive.
It’s not easy to talk about, but as we get
older, physical changes can make it
harder to get around and do things we
want or need to do—like driving,
shopping, or doing household chores.
You might not have mobility problems now, but you could in the future. You
may even know others who already do—perhaps a parent, relative, friend, or
neighbor. While it may not be possible to prevent all of these changes, there
are actions you and your loved ones can take today, and as you age, to help
keep you safe and independent tomorrow.
Make a plan today.
Stay independent tomorrow.
MySelf
MyHome
MyNeighborhood
A plan to stay mobile
in my community
A plan to stay
independent
A plan to stay
safe at home
MySelf
o
o Get a medical eye exam each year.
Eye problems can increase your risk of
falling or being in a car crash.
Last Exam Date:
Next Exam Date:
Staying healthy and managing
chronic conditions help
maintain your mobility.
To start building your plan,
complete the checklist below.
Strength Activity
Balance Activity
Exercise
Exercise
Start Date
Start Date
Chair stand
Next Monday
Next Monday
Tai Chi
MyMobility Tip
Good eyesight is about more than
20/20 vision. For example, you need
to see well in the dark to drive safely
at night.
Get a medical eye exam each year
and address any issues.
o
o Review all your medicines with a
doctor or pharmacist.
Certain medicines can have side effects
that can change your ability to drive,
walk, or get around safely.
To learn more, go to:
https://go.usa.gov/xPADs
o
o Follow a regular activity program to increase your strength and balance.
Strength and balance activities, done at least 3 times a week, can reduce your risk
of falling. Other activities, like walking, are good for you, but don’t help prevent
falls. Visit the National Institute on Aging’s website for suggestions:
www.go4life.nia.nih.gov/exercises
A plan to stay independent
o
o Get a physical checkup each year.
Some health issues may increase your
risk of falling (such as leg weakness
and balance problems).
Last Exam Date:
Next Exam Date:
To continue your plan,
schedule a time to go through
the following home safety
checklist to help prevent falls.
Check the FLOORS in each room
and reduce tripping hazards:
o
o Keep objects off the floor.
o
o Remove or tape down rugs.
o
o Coil or tape cords and wires next
to the wall and out of the way.
Check the KITCHEN:
o
o Put often-used items within easy
reach (about waist level).
o
o For items not within easy reach,
always use a step stool and never
use a chair.
Check the BEDROOMS:
o
o Use bright light bulbs.
o
o Place lamps close to the bed where
they are within reach.
o
o Put in night-lights to be able to see
a path in the dark. For areas that
don’t have electrical outlets, consider
battery-operated lights.
Check inside and outside STAIRS
and STEPS:
o
o Check for loose or uneven steps.
Repair if needed.
o
o Make sure carpet is firmly attached to
every step, or remove carpet and
attach non-slip rubber treads.
o
o Check for loose or broken handrails.
Repair if needed.
o
o Consider installing handrails on both
sides of the stairs.
o
o Use bright overhead lighting at the top
and bottom of the stairs.
o
o Consider putting light switches at both
the top and bottom of the stairs.
Check the BATHROOMS:
o
o Put non-slip rubber mats or self-stick
strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
o
o Consider installing grab bars for
support getting in or out of the tub or
shower, and up from the toilet.
For more home modification
information and resources:
https://go.usa.gov/xUEs3
MyHome
A plan to stay safe at home
MyMobility Tip
Falls are more likely when wearing inappropriate
footwear, such as flip flops that don’t cover the heel.
Wear safe shoes that fit well, have a firm heel to provide
stability, and have a textured sole to prevent slipping.
Where do I go now?
(Such as doctor, grocery store,
or physical activity class)
How do I get there now?
(Such as drive, get a ride,
or use public transportation)
How will I get there
in the future?
(Such as bus, rideshare, or
ride with a friend)
Meet friends for lunch
Drive myself
Get a ride from a friend
For more information visit:
www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/older_adult_drivers/mymobility
MyNeighborhood
A plan to stay mobile in my community
o
o Find transportation options in your ZIP code:
Keep Middlesex Moving
Email us at Programs@kmm.org
Or visit us online at www.kmm.org
o
o Consider a driver refresher course.
Finish your plan by filling out
the table below.
Think of all the places you go
and how you get there.
Then, consider how you would
get to these same places if you
couldn’t use your current way.
MyMobility Tip
Practice safe behaviors, such as always
wearing a seatbelt, as a driver or a
passenger.
Ride share services can help
keep you connected to family
and friends. Staying social helps
maintain quality of life as you age.
• AARP (888) 687-2277 or www.aarp.org
• AAA (800) 222-4357 or www.aaa.com
Some insurers give a discount on your
car insurance for taking a course:
Distributed by:
•
Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc.
732-745-4369
For more information visit us online at www.kmm.org or email programs@kmm.org