An Aging Population: The Explosion of Mobility Aid Sales Today

In the period immediately following the end of the Second World War up to 1964, there was a notable increase in the number of children being born. This generation was dubbed the "baby boomers" and many a story has been told of the benefits they have reaped in the course of their lifetimes.



The rhythms of life in Britain have changed quite radically in that period. Manufacturing and industries that require manual labour declined precipitously, whilst the service sector grew to become the largest part of the economy. The country is far richer and its populace longer-lived than ever before. Where once upon a time you might be expected to spend three years in retirement, many pensioners of today finished work three decades ago.

Demographic Change Leads To New Challenges

The elderly of today are healthier than their parents were at an equivalent age and medical science is now able to mitigate the impact of many once-lethal conditions. But even though many of the problems of the past have been defeated, new challenges have arisen.



Rather than dying from a heart attack or cancer whilst being in otherwise relatively robust good health, the old face a gradual deterioration of their physical capabilities that can ultimately lead to depression and a loss of independence. Indeed, there's a strong argument that having a poor quality of life renders the pleasures of a long retirement null and void.

Fortunately businesses have developed a diverse and ever-more sophisticated range of technologies that offer the genuine hope of a pleasant and fulfilling old age.

The Rise And Rise Of The Mobility Aid

One area that companies have made huge progress with is that of mobility aids. Losing the ability to get out of the house, dress oneself or even go upstairs has a terrible impact on the psychological health and self esteem of anyone, regardless of age. Combined with the loneliness that can come from finishing work, losing friends and health issues preventing individuals from pursuing the hobbies they've enjoyed all of their lives and aging might seem a terrible prospect.

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Thus, a mobility scooter that allows a pensioner to get out of the house to visit the shops or tour the park has tremendous power to revolutionise an individual's quality of life. Qualitatively different from walking sticks or Zimmer frames, the popularity of scooters (as evinced by the variety of designs and styles now available) highlights how many of the elderly are keen to get out into their local communities.

Domestic Difficulties, Mastered

Within the household environment, stairlifts have proved equally invaluable. Most people form a strong attachment to their home over the course of the years, so not being able to access the upper rooms is a painful blow. In the past, the only alternative might be to take on full time care, or to move into a bungalow or nursing home, none of which are necessarily suitable or palatable options.

A modern stairlift, though, can keep someone safely ensconced in their own home for years. Available in a panoply of different options and visual styles, installing a stairlift both maintains its user's independence and gives considerable peace of mind to their relatives.

Other mobility aids include specially designed baths and showers that minimise the risk and eliminate the discomfort of bathing, as well as obviating the need for a carer. Similarly, both furniture and beds can be deployed at will.

To conclude, then. Mobility aids are already making an enormous difference to the lives of the elderly by maintaining their independence and self esteem. Expect to see the products in this area become yet more empowering as demand grows and technology progresses.