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Graying With Grace

Graying With Grace

Guides for Seniors, the Elderly, and the People Who Love Them

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HomeMobility

Mobility

As you get older, you may notice that you have trouble getting around by yourself. This is a natural part of the aging process. Currently over 24 percent of people over 65 report that they use some type of mobility aid. This number keeps rising, and there are several different options to choose from. We’re going to touch on some common mobility aids for seniors. We’ll also talk about who can benefit from one of these mobility aids.
Common Mobility Aids for Seniors
Canes
A cane is a simple mobility aid that can help you support your body’s weight. They help to redistribute your body’s weight from your legs to your upper body. They’re very useful for seniors who have balance issues or who are a fall risk. In the US, almost every 1 in 10 adults over 65 use a cane, and there are a few common types.

Forearm Canes – These canes have a slightly extended head to rest your forearms on. It gives greater support, and it helps to distribute your weight to your upper body.
Quad Canes – Quad means four, and these canes usually have four feet on the end. This gives the cane a wider base, and you’ll enjoy greater stability with it.
Traditional Canes – A traditional cane has a small flat or slightly curved head that you hang onto as you move around. The bottom is usually one foot, and a lot of canes have a rubber grip attached to the bottom. This reduces the chances of slipping.

Walkers
A walker comes with a metal frame with four solid legs for added durability and stability. Almost 5 percent of seniors in the United States use a walker for a mobility aid, and you can find a few common ones below.

Basic Walker – The basic version is an enclosed three-sided device with an open area that you stand in. You’ll move it forward and then step forward while holding onto it for added stability.
Hemi-Walkers – A hemi-walker combines a cane and a walker together in one device. They’re usually around half of the size of a regular walker. They have four feet and a wider grip, and they’re great for people who have weakness on one side.
Rollator Walkers – A rollator walker has three or four wheels and a backrest and a padded seat you can sit on. They also come with hand brakes and handlebars so you can maneuver it.

Who Can Benefit from a Mobility Aid?
Several seniors can benefit from using one of these mobility aids. They include seniors with:

Arthritis
Balance Issues
Cerebral Palsy
Fractures or Broken Bones
Heart Issues
Sprains
Walking Impairments
Visual Impairments and more

Walking aids like these are a great way to get out and be active with your family or friends. They can help add stability when you walk, and this can reduce the fear of falling.

The need for walking aids continues to expand as the demand gets higher. They can increase your overall quality of life, and make you a happier, healthier person.

best blankets for wheelchair users
Mobility

5 Best Blankets For Wheelchair Users

December 20, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Wheelchair users have different needs when looking for wheelchair blankets. Learn more about those needs and see the best wheelchair blankets.

gifts for people in wheelchairs
Gifts for Seniors

43+ Great Gifts for People in Wheelchairs You’d Never Think Of!

November 19, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

People in wheelchairs have different needs and wants than others. Of course, they appreciate jewelry, electronics, and other standard gifts too. But, if you are looking for something more practical, here are some great gifts for people in wheelchairs.

senior with limited mobility showing her cane to camera cane
Gifts for Seniors

33+ Top Gifts For Seniors With Limited Mobility

November 8, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

These gifts for seniors with limited mobility help reduce the chance of a fall or prevent the need for seniors to get up and down so often. But, gifts should be fun, right? Here are my top recommendations.

senior man at airport waiting to take wheelchair on airplane
Wheelchairs

5 Useful Tips For Traveling With Wheelchairs on Airplanes

August 1, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Traveling by air is challenging for just about everyone but it takes on a whole new level for people with mobility problems and wheelchair users. The best advice for people looking to take wheelchairs on airplanes is to “know before you go” and have your plan in place well before you have to travel. This guide will help you do just that.

man pushing mother in narrow wheelchair through tight spaces
Wheelchairs

Narrow Wheelchairs for Tight Spaces and Skinny Doorways

July 6, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

A wheelchair should fit the person who is using it but what if it doesn’t fit through narrow doorways? This guide shows you how to get a wheelchair that fits and shows you how to find the best narrow wheelchair that also fits well in small spaces. Keep reading to learn more.

the best wheelchair gloves protect hands while propelling a wheelchair
Wheelchairs

The Ultimate Guide To The Best Wheelchair Gloves

May 25, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Propelling yourself in a manual wheelchair all day can be brutal on your hands. You risk injuries to your fingers not to mention all the dirt and grime. So, here are the best wheelchair gloves to protect, comfort and warm your hands.

senior couple traveling in a wheelchair friendly city
Senior Travel

The 11 Best Cities for Wheelchair Users

May 24, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Wheelchairs can go a lot more places than they every have before. So, there is no need to keep from going on vacation and seeing the country and the world for that matter. To get you started, here are the best cities for wheelchair users your next wheelchair accessible vacation and adventure!

elderly man resting his hand on his cane
Walking Canes

The Best Walking Canes for Seniors and Elderly

May 18, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Canes help seniors maintain their balance by providing another point of contact with the ground. Here are the best walking canes for seniors and the elderly.

old black and white photo of an antique wheelchair
Wheelchairs

History of Wheelchairs: From Ancient China to the 20th Century

May 8, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

The idea of combining chairs with wheels for people who couldn’t walk goes back to ancient times. In this guide, you’ll learn about the history of wheelchairs. Plus we will also learn about wheelchair users who made history themselves!

woman showing a man the different types of wheelchairs
Wheelchairs

What Are The Different Types of Wheelchairs?

April 24, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

A wheelchair isn’t something most people ever really think about – until they need one that is! Here the 14 most popular types of wheelchairs including manual wheelchairs, power chairs, and specialty wheelchairs too!

senior couple thankful for getting a free wheelchair
Wheelchairs

How To Get a Free Wheelchair: Online and Local Resources to Help

April 24, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Wheelchairs can be expensive. And, for many seniors, insurance might not be an option. Here are some public, private, and nonprofit sources for free wheelchairs that might be able to help.

man lifting and loading a travel wheelchair into the back of a van
Wheelchairs

What Is The Best Wheelchair For Travel? Lightweight Foldable Wheelchairs Ready To Go!

April 24, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Needing a wheelchair is no reason to not travel. Here are the best travel wheelchairs that are lightweight, fold up, and are easy to lift and load to let you go on your journey.

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Avatar for Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®
Assistive Technology Professional, Custom Wheelchair Specialist, Medical Equipment Guru, Dad and Grandfather
I am a lucky dad to four awesome daughters and grandfather to three pretty terrific grandkids. When not working as a custom wheelchair specialist at a regional home medical equipment company, I enjoy early morning runs and occasional kayak trips. I am also a self-admitted nerd who loves anything from the 1980's. Learn More
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© Copyright text 2017-2020 by Graying With Grace, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing on this site should be construed as medical advice. I am not a medical professional and no information on Graying With Grace should be taken over the advice of a medical professional. This blog is for informational purposes only and posts are based on my personal opinions. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices listed are for comparison only and are not guaranteed.

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