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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be really worried about her mobility?

33 replies

Celia24 · 04/11/2024 20:40

On a trip with my mother who is early 60s. She needs frequent breaks to sit down while walking, maybe every 10-15 mins.

We have a day trip planned, train leaving at 10 arriving at destination at 12, then back at 6 again. She was really annoyed to hear we'd be on the go for 6 hours and says we'll need to take a lot of breaks. I'm gutted to hear this as I've been really looking forward to seeing the place.

I am shocked at how she seems older than she is when I see her as still young. Are my expectations wrong or am I right to be concerned?

She is basically saying she's unfit. I see it as quite serious.

OP posts:
Spacecrispsnack · 04/11/2024 20:55

She Should see a GP and then if all ok get fit, that is not normal at all for 60 if no medical issues. My parents are a similar age and would think nothing of a 10 mile walk.

Original poster
Celia24 · 04/11/2024 20:55

I've had some inkling of it because she walks at the same pace now as her parents did when ten years older.

But generally day to day she seems fine so I had no real idea. She's also vaguely active in her community but she could be sitting down a lot!

OP posts:
5128gap · 04/11/2024 20:55

Not being able to walk for more than ten minutes is an infirmity and would usually indicate some health issue. What happens after ten minutes? Is your mum in pain? Breathless? Exhausted? Whichever, she can't do what she can't do, so while a GP visit would be a good idea, I think you're going to have to accept her limitations on the day our. Plan your day to take advantage of any transport at the place, taxis if needed, and pace yourself. Consider leaving her in a cafe while you have a look round at pace, then join her again for another potter. Or perhaps she'd consider a hired wheelchair? And yes, it's a big shock when you realise how bad they are. If you tend to see them mainly around the house you don't always realise the decline.

FeistyFrankie · 04/11/2024 20:54

I think your mum needs to have this looked at, she’s quite young fo be having mobility issues.

Original poster
Celia24 · 04/11/2024 20:54

She is slightly overweight for her age.

Very sedentary lifestyle since covid which I suspect is true cause. I think it's caught up with her.

Started feeling faint today and had a history of being prone to fainting since childhood.

OP posts:
AlertCat · 04/11/2024 20:52

Yes, if no underlying conditions, obesity etc that would concern me. How far or for how long can she walk at a normal pace on the flat for? Is she just very sedentary?

Thelnebriati · 04/11/2024 20:52

Try to persuade her to see her GP, she might be unfit but its far more likely she is unwell. It could be something that's easy to diagnose and treat, like Vitamin D deficiency, or low iron.
She might have to give the day tri a miss. Its unfair to spoil your day if you've been looking forwards to it.

Original poster
Celia24 · 04/11/2024 20:45

Also she has no diagnosed illnesses.

OP posts: