May is National Mobility Awareness Month!

May has no shortage of days to celebrate. There’s May Day (May 1), Cinco de Mayo (May 5),

Mothers’ Day (May 13), and of course, National Wine Day (May 25). But, with all this celebrating, let’s not forget that May is also National Mobility Awareness Month.

National Mobility Awareness Month is an annual celebration that encourages people with disabilities to embody the spirit of Life Moving Forward. It’s a time to raise awareness about the mobility solutions available that can help individuals enjoy greater independence and stay active in the community.

By the Numbers

More than 10 million Americans age 65 and over have difficulty walking or climbing, and 18.2 million adults are either unable or find it extremely difficult to walk a quarter mile. This can be due to any number of health issues, including arthritis, stroke, pulmonary or neurological diseases, injury or trauma, and more.

There are dozens of reasons someone might experience limited mobility. Fortunately, there have been numerous advances in technology, and with these advances have come a host of solutions to fit the unique needs of each individual.

Life Moving Forward

Assistive technology is available to help people safely ambulate and, thus, maintain their independence. Some examples include:

• Canes
• Walkers
• Wheelchairs
• Power wheelchairs
• Scooters

More specialized options are also available, like highly customized and individually configured wheelchairs and components that are designed specifically for the user to meet their medical and functional needs. (If you haven’t already, be sure to read our post about complex rehab technology and helping those who rely on it get the access they need.)

Home medical equipment (HME) companies are a driving force behind helping individuals maintain their mobility and their independence. They can work with the individual and their physician to provide the right mobility solution to meet their medical, anatomical, and functional needs. HME companies also work with the individual to factor environmental considerations such as ensuring the device can be used inside the home (e.g., through doorways, around tight angles, etc.).

Something Worth Celebrating

Throughout the month of May, we encourage everyone to enjoy every wacky holiday that speaks to them—even Hug Your Cat Day (May 3). But, let’s remember that mobility is something that affects us all. With the right mobility device, individuals can enjoy greater independence, perform activities of daily living, and stay active in their community. Let’s all be a little more active in our communities this May during National Mobility Awareness Month. Let’s celebrate a Life Moving Forward.