Plan to Stay Safe, Mobile, and Independent

Happy group of senior citizens walking hand in hand

Do you or your friends and family have a plan to stay safe, mobile, and independent as you age? Many people make financial plans for retirement, but don’t consider how to plan for potential mobility changes.

CDC created a mobility planning tool, called MyMobility Plan, to help guide you in protecting your mobility and independence as you get older. MyMobility Plan shows how you can take action today to keep yourself—or your friends and family—safe, mobile, and independent tomorrow.

What Is Mobility?

Mobility is the ability to get where you want to go, when you want to go there. Many people make financial plans for retirement, but not everyone plans for mobility changes that may come with age.

How would you get to the grocery store if you suddenly found yourself unable to drive? Would you be able to get to doctor appointments, social engagements, or church? Does your community have reliable public transportation or ride share services?

Use MyMobility Plan to help keep you safe, mobile, and independent as you age.

Facts About Aging, Mobility, and Quality of Life
  • One in four Americans who are now 65 years old will live into their 90s.
  • Planning for mobility changes in the years to come is important for older adults who want to stay independent in their own homes and communities.
  • Falls and motor vehicle crashes, which are related to mobility, are leading causes of injury and injury death in older adults (age 65+).
  • When older adults stop driving or fall, they often experience reductions in their health, social interactions, and the ability to get around.
  • CDC has found that working through MyMobility Plan helps many older adults identify what they can do today to help maintain their mobility and plan for any potential changes that might come tomorrow.
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Find out about ride share services available for older adults.

Stop Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries

STEADI: Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries.

Healthcare providers can take simple steps to decrease fall risk and prevent falls in older adult patients.

Medicines Can Put Older Adults at Increased Risk

Another area that can affect mobility is the medicines you take. As you age, your body processes what you eat and drink—including medicines—differently. Medicines that worked well in the past could have side effects now or in the future.

  • Some medicines have side effects—such as dizziness or sleepiness—that might cause falls or car crashes, which are leading causes of injury and injury death among older adults.
  • Use the Medicines Risk Fact Sheet with MyMobility Plan to help you work with your doctor or pharmacist to stop, switch, or reduce medicines that might have dangerous side effects.
How to Use MyMobility

MyMobility Plan can help keep you mobile and independent in your community as you age. This planning tool is aimed at adults nearing retirement age and provides information and tips in three main sections:

  • MySelf—a plan to manage personal health to maintain mobility and stay independent
  • MyHome—a home safety checklist to help prevent falls
  • MyNeighborhood—a plan to get around in the community

Download and print out MyMobility Plan today to create a personalized plan for a safe, mobile, and independent life for you or your loved ones!