The greatest risk to overall health is a fall. So it makes sense that someone would walk very slowly and take the steps especially slowly.

Anonymous wrote:So are we unrealistic about our expectations for our parents? What are you going to do so you’re not like them?

Not mobility related but I plan to keep up with the times unlike my dad. Like, accept the changes and follow the trends.
I also hope not to live into my 80s as there’s no guarantee I won’t become a completely useless even if a harmless person

Anonymous wrote:I have two parents in their 90's. One thinks. One moves. Mom does the NYT crossword everyday. Needs a mobility scooter since she can't walk more than a few steps. Dad has Alzheimers and doesn't know anyone but can still play golf.

That’s quite a combo!

I have two parents in their 90's. One thinks. One moves. Mom does the NYT crossword everyday. Needs a mobility scooter since she can't walk more than a few steps. Dad has Alzheimers and doesn't know anyone but can still play golf.

My 88 year old dad still gets around very well (regularly plays golf and carries his own bag around, despite the fact that he probably only weighs about 90 lbs).

My 80 mom is much less mobile (suffers from arthritis and many other ailments).

My dad is 93 and has always been active and engaged. He has slowed down since my mom died, but he is still going strong and has started to date. He is quite the catch.

Things really turn downward in 80s and can quickly spiral. I’m not sure I aspire to live into my 80s anymore.

So are we unrealistic about our expectations for our parents? What are you going to do so you’re not like them?

My dad is almost 85 and his mobility is terrible. He uses a walker and barely leaves the house, except for medical appointments (gets driven). He works with a trainer a couple times a week on strength but isn't doing great. He's obese and drinks a ton which doesn't help. He was fit throughout his life, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tennis, but after my mom died 13 years ago he pretty much gave up. It breaks my heart but if someone doesn't want to do it, you can't make them.

My parents are early 70s and both in bad shape. My mother walks like you describe. She is overweight and in dire need of a knee replacement but it hasn't happened for reasons. There's probably more going on as she also walks really hunched over at the waist.

My dad is more physically limber but has ongoing intermittent unexplained shortness of breath even at rest for several years now. He claims all the tests were clear.

Frankly I'm surprised there hasn't been a full blown medical crisis yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 62 MIL can barely make up the stairs to m the guest room. Seems to just be able to make the trip once per day- down around noon after getting out of bed, back at 8pm to go to bed.

This is so sad. 62 is not old! Is she disabled?

I've been with DCUM since the beginning, as an older parent; it weirds me out that I'm talking with people who are a generation removed from me about "eldercare". I'm 59 and can't imagine having a married child (or a son or daughter in law), much less one who was the least bit worried about me or thought of me as "elderly".

DP. I think that’s how it still is with blue collar people who aren’t very well versed in all things health and longevity. They often die around 70 also.

Anonymous wrote:My 62 MIL can barely make up the stairs to m the guest room. Seems to just be able to make the trip once per day- down around noon after getting out of bed, back at 8pm to go to bed.

This is so sad. 62 is not old! Is she disabled?

I've been with DCUM since the beginning, as an older parent; it weirds me out that I'm talking with people who are a generation removed from me about "eldercare". I'm 59 and can't imagine having a married child (or a son or daughter in law), much less one who was the least bit worried about me or thought of me as "elderly".

My 62 MIL can barely make up the stairs to m the guest room. Seems to just be able to make the trip once per day- down around noon after getting out of bed, back at 8pm to go to bed.

I would recommend getting carpeting on the stairs and railings in both sides. Both are helpful to those in terms of joint or hip issues.
as well as keeping balance. Plus you never know when one might suddenly feel weak on or have a limitation for a short time. On taking one step at a time as a change, this might also indicate a vision change in depth
perception. Carpeting would also help cushion a fall. It is a good idea to find a way to keep doing stairs in some way and a weight bearing
Exercise, too. We are 77 and 79 plus a DD of
42 who has a cognitive disability, but is active.

We also have had railings in showers and she asked for a vertical bar in exiting her shower.
Raised toilet seats have been in place for years as more practical. It has also been mentioned.
In outdoor walking to use hiking poles to keep
a more even gait rather than just one walking stick. The aluminum ones on Amazon are much lighter to handle than heavier serious mountain trekking. Just a thought on mobility!

My mom is 87 and mobile but is walking slowly and limping at the moment because her gout is acting up, which causes her to limp, which then leads to back pain, which causes her to hunch.
And of course being among a bunch of people for days has made her tired. She’s been going to bed late and getting up early.