A while back we wrote about the ReWalk, one of the first in a line of products now being referred to as “wearable robots,” “electronic legs” or “powered exoskeletons.” These devices attach to a disabled user’s legs and help them walk. They’re being used by paralytic patients, those with multiple sclerosis, and those recovering from strokes.
Over the years, there have been a wide range of musicals on a wide range of topics. This April, we got what I believe is the first ever musical about rollators—Rock N’ Rollator. The show features popular rock music from the 20th and 21st century, everything from The Who to Arcade Fire, sung by an intergenerational choir.
There are a lot of mobility devices out there. We should know. We sell several of them. Some devices, like rollators, help a wide variety of users. Others, like posterior safety rollers, are more specific and help a smaller group of users.
Your bones, joints, and muscles provide the basic framework for your body. But this frame may start to change as you age. Joints slowly lose fluid, causing the cartilage to rub together and erode. This leads to stiffer joints. Meanwhile, muscle tissue may begin to atrophy and lose some of its former strength—especially when not used regularly.
While searching for a mobility aid topic to write about this week, I came across a very simple almost mundane story. But it’s a fun and real story, and one I wanted to share.
Gardening provides a fun, low-impact workout for seniors. It helps them maintain flexibility, strength, and endurance. Plus, it relieves stress and can produce delicious, healthy homegrown foods.
According to German newspaper RP Online, over two million Germans now use rollators. That’s roughly 2.5% of Germany’s total population and 12% of the population over 65. The paper also estimated that 500,000 Germans start using a rollator every year.
Some seniors sleep easily and often, but others find it difficult to fall or even stay asleep. Reasons vary, but common ones include medical conditions, pain, medications, and stress. Solutions also vary. Simply limiting caffeine may do the trick for some. Other seniors turn to sleep medication, which isn’t necessarily a bad choice but can come with harmful side effects and is often unnecessary.
It may not be the most beloved tradition of the year, but spring cleaning is here. The origins of the practice are uncertain. Some think it dates back to the Jewish tradition of thoroughly cleansing the home before Passover. Others believe it started because in 19th century America (before we had vacuum cleaners), spring was a practical time to dust the house; it was warm enough to open the windows but not so warm that bugs were a huge problem.
Bad news, everyone. In your late 30s you begin to shrink. Or maybe you’re super tall and you think that’s good news. If so, congrats!
Why do we shrink? The discs between our vertebrae lose fluid causing our spine to shorten, the arches of our feet flatten, and as we age we lose muscle mass causing poor posture. That’s one reason the elderly are often shorter. It’s also a reason petite rollators are so popular.
