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With the risk of developing a number of mobility related diseases increases with age, it is not uncommon for some tasks to become harder to complete as a person ages. This might mean that the senior is no longer able to walk for as long as they once were or see well enough to drive. Often, the task of standing up is also much more difficult for a senior.

There are several diseases that can make it more difficult to stand up, but most common this mobility problem is caused by arthritis. Arthritis is actually a general term used to describe over 100 different joint disorders. While it is true that there are many different types of arthritis, the symptoms for many of these are very similar, specifically joint pain, which is often much more painful after having been still for a while.

Since a common characteristic of arthritis is joint pain, which becomes worse when not having moved for a period of time, it is not surprising that so many seniors have difficulty standing on their own. Over the course of an average television program, it is not uncommon for joint pain to develop as soon as the senior tries to move again. This can also affect a senior who has been in their car for an extended period of time, but most often occurs in their own living room.

One way that these standing difficulties are often addressed is by having a friend or family member help when it is time to get up. Unfortunately, this can actually be quite dangerous for the person lending a hand, especially if they are themselves elderly. It also presents a risk to the senior who is standing because it is not uncommon for them to fall as they begin to stand. If a caretaker is going to be used, it is better to rely upon a paid care-worker, although this can be rather costly.

Another alternative is to use a walker positioned in front of the chair or couch. This can also be very dangerous, because there is an increased risk of falling or the walker moving. Perhaps a safer option is to use a rollator, which is a rolling walker, because most rollators have a built in brake system. If the senior forgets to set the brake though or if the rollator slips, this can also be very dangerous.

Since both of the above methods, specifically using a walker or a care taker to help stand, present a number of risks, usually the best way to increase the ability of a senior to stand is to use a lift chair, which are a type of lifting aid. Lift chairs are designed to resemble a recliner and in fact offer a reclining backrest, as well as a footrest. However, in addition to being a comfortable recliner, lift chairs are also designed to raise the occupant into a standing position. This not only reduces a number of risks, but also allows the elderly individual to stand independently and without assistance.

Arthritis is a joint diseases, which can affect people of all ages, but the risk of developing arthritis increases with age. There are several common symptoms of arthritis, but difficulty standing is one of the more common symptoms, which will typically need to be addressed.