Staying mobile? Actually, she can.
Determined not to let history repeat itself, Caroline stays mobile for her own independence and to watch her two boys grow up. Caroline was only 26 with two young boys when she was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and it was an experience she knew all too well, having watched her mum living with the condition too. Now, at 58 she experiences low mobility, tiredness and balance issues, often walking with a stick and has even learned how to walk again after attacks left her in a wheelchair.
“Walking with a stick isn’t a sign that I’m disabled, it’s a sign that I’m moving and staying balanced,” she says.
She credits moving and exercise with helping her to keep her mobility and independence, as well as manage her condition. This means she’s still able to drive, and clean the house, although you won’t catch her hoovering! Most importantly her motivation is being present for her sons and watching them grow up, something she’s sad her mum didn’t get to do.
How Caroline keeps moving
For Caroline, it’s the social setting of being in a class that she really enjoys. She joins others at weekly ‘move it or lose it’ and seated pilates classes held at a local arts venue. The classes combine balance, strength and mobility movements with the use of bands and balls – all designed to help with everyday movements like putting on your shoes, carrying shopping or navigating stairs.
She finds that adapting the sessions to how she feels means she can keep going – sometimes she’s been able to stand, other times she does the exercises seated. "Actually, I can do things" is a philosophy Caroline lives by.
“I always remember there’s more that I can do, than I can’t”.
She credits the classes with helping her mental health too – the after class coffee and chats are all part of the social experience.
Getting Started:
- Caroline's classes are run by Rushmoor Healthy Living.
- The We Are Undefeatable App is completely free with activity designed especially for people with long term health conditions
- The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Activity Finder can help you find something local to you
If you would like to share your experience about being active with a long-term condition, to help inspire and encourage others to get moving, please contact marketing@energiseme.org.
