Mobility in Older Community-Dwelling Persons: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Due to the demographic changes and the increasing awareness of the role of physical function, mobility in older age is becoming an important topic. Mobility limitations have been reported as increasingly prevalent in older persons affecting about 35% of persons aged 70 and the majority of persons over 85 years. Mobility limitations have been associated with increased fall risk, hospitalization, a decreased quality of life, and even mortality. As concepts of mobility are multifactorial and complex, in this narrative review, definitions, physical factors, and their age-related changes associated with mobility will be presented. Also, areas of cognitive decline and their impact on mobility, as well as neuromuscular factors related to mobility will be addressed. Another section will relate psychological factors such as Fall-related psychological concerns and sedentary behavior to mobility. Assessment of mobility as well as effective exercise interventions are only shortly addressed. In the last part, gaps and future work on mobility in older persons are discussed.

Life satisfaction and depressive symptoms of mentally active older adults in Poland: a cross-sectional study

“…The Ministry of Health supported the implementation of a care programme for the prevention of the negative effects of the ageing process through activities as part of the National Health Programme 2016–2020, which included educational activities and adapting the health care system to the needs of older adults [ 72 ]. As this research [ 73 – 76 ] shows, it can be assumed that older adults who are physically and mentally active will require such care later in their life.…”

The Gender-Specific Relationship between Nutritional Status, Physical Activity and Functional Mobility in Irish Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…Our understanding of risk factors for mobility impairment has progressed significantly in recent years, with evidence implicating factors such as chronic diseases, reduced cognition, and psychological factors as significant contributors [5]. Only modifiable risk factors can be targeted through intervention, however, two of which include: (i) physical activity [6], and (ii) nutrition [7], which may protect mobility through various physiological mechanisms.…”

Wording in the area of mobility and physical activity—the challenge of perception for researchers and older persons

“…Instructors coming out of the "Sport Science" area are often not used to the complex and challenging context and challenge of integrating frail older persons into their programs. Problems start with the terms used, e.g., "sport intervention", and continue to the problems of providing transportation or access for this population and cumulate in the challenge of providing the appropriate level of intensity in the classes (Freiberger et al, 2016;Freiberger, Sieber, & Kob, 2020).…”

“…In older persons, mobility limitations are increasingly prevalent, affecting about 35% of persons aged 70 and the majority over 85 years (Musich, Wang, Ruiz, Hawkins, & Wicker, 2018). In a recent narrative review, age-related changes in mobility have been discussed, including more "movement-related" topics as the impact of neuromuscular and cognitive/emotional dimension on mobility (Freiberger et al, 2020).…”