I agree. The article does state, however, that the sidewalks near her home are "crumbling" so I suspect getting out in the chair may be very difficult.
Once someone is large and likely has health problems and becomes used to staying in, it's difficult to change. The best thing would be to let the cable go and have some volunteers help her get out and about. Easier to just let her sit and watch tv. Maybe no one around her knows she needs that kind of assistance?