I sat down with Mom and Dad recently, and asked Dad if we could discuss a plan to preserve his mobility for as long as possible. Far from defensive, he seemed grateful for the discussion: he and Mom know that him losing his mobility will dramatically affect quality of life for them both.  After our discussion, I typed and printed our Mobility Strategy, in big blaring pitch, and stuck it to the refrigerator with a magnet.  A day in the hospital, the Christmas and New Year holidays, and family celebrations interrupted some elements of the new routine, like going to the gym.  Other elements we started immediately.  I do not badger Dad about drinking water, for example, but every time I pass his chair, I hand him a bottle of cold water.  My message is clear.  And, to be fair, I hold my own water bottle even as I hand him his.  (Water intake can reduce edema.)  Here is our Mobility Strategy.  I will let you know how it goes.

1. Stationary Bike. Ride the bike 6 days a week, for 30 minutes each ride.
2. Gym. Go to the gym 2 days a week, weather permitting.
3. Leg Compressors. Use the pumping leg compressors when reading at night.
4. Walker. Use the blue walker between family room, kitchen, and dining room, as needed.
5. Cane. Keep the “walking stick” handy for short treks in the house or to the car.
6. Compression Socks. Order.  Wear.
7. Elevate. When sitting, keep legs elevated.
8. WATER. Keep several water bottles cold in the fridge.  Sip all day.

(Image by Willfried Wende from Pixabay)