New resources to promote movement

As people age, their mobility, or ability to get where they want to go, when they want to go there, may be reduced due to physical changes, increasing or worsening chronic health conditions, or use of medicines that can affect their cognition and physical function. These mobility changes may adversely affect older adults’ health and independence and are often related to an increased risk of falls and motor vehicle crash injury—the two leading causes of older adult injury.

In response, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the new MyMobility Plan to encourage older adults to prepare for potential mobility changes in much the same way they may plan financially for retirement. MyMobility Plan provides resources and tips for older adults to help manage their health to maintain mobility, make their homes safer to prevent falls, and consider alternative transportation as they age so they can stay safe, mobile, and independent longer. Take a look and think about sharing this new resource at your library or incorporating it into a public program.

In addition to MyMobility Plan, the CDC also recently unveiled a new Physical Activity campaign: Active People, Healthy Nation campaign. Physical activity is one of the most important things Americans can do to improve their health. Regular physical activity can reduce the burden of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, and can prevent early death.