Mobility

senior woman using a walker with non-slip shoes

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.