Older adults who struggle to move around safely can use many walking assistance devices and mobility aids available on the market.
People with age increase their chances of falling quite a bit, and the consequences of a fall can be quite serious, so many walking aids have been created to provide safety and support.
Sometimes it is difficult to decide where to start when there are so many mobility aids and walking devices available today, though there is something to suit everyone's needs!
Since the invention of walking sticks or canes, the assistive device industry has expanded to include crutches, walkers, rollators, knee scooters, and more. Researching walking devices for the first time is a little intimidating due to the numerous choices available.
The following guide will tell you about all the common walking assistance devices available today for older adults. In this guide, we hope to help you better understand what products are available and how they can benefit you.
Seven types of walking mobility aids for elderly people
Canes
Seniors most commonly use canes as walking aids. Our balance can start to deteriorate by the time we reach our seventies, and a cane can help stabilize us while reducing strain on our legs and being easy to carry around.
The most common length of canes is 36 inches, which is a good height for most users but can be adjusted to meet their specific needs.
You may find a cane useful if you are at risk of falling as it allows you independence without being intrusive. The purpose of clubs is similar to that of crutches; they support the body's weight and transfer some of the load from the legs to the upper body.
Canes assist in walking by reducing lower-body strain, but they place more pressure on hands and wrists because of their weight. Regarding walking devices, a cane might not be the best option if you have problems with your upper body, arms, or hands.
You will want to use it sparingly if you have these issues. The fact remains that 1/10 of seniors over 65 use one - so they must have some benefits!
Crutches
The purpose of crutches is to transfer some weight from the legs to the upper body instead of the legs. The elderly often use crutches as a pair, which are generally more cumbersome, obstructive, and difficult to operate.
Usually, they serve as temporary walking aid following a leg injury. There are, however, generally better alternatives for those looking at long-term use of a walking assistance device.
Walkers
The frame of a walker, often called a Zimmer frame, is made of metal material with four legs. They sometimes have wheels on both front legs to facilitate forward movement. The walkers also vary, such as walkers with two wheels and walkers with rollators.
A walker provides more balance and support than a cane or crutch since it has a larger contact area with the ground. It allows the user to maintain a reasonable level of independence while maintaining great stability on both sides of the frame.
Most walkers are still lightweight and foldable, even though they are larger than canes and crutches. In some cases, a walker is even lighter than a pair of crutches!
However, the best walking device for the elderly may not be a walker. It is often difficult for them to maneuver when there is less of a difference between the height of pavements and other obstructions.
Rollators
With an upright rollator walker, you can move around more easily. There are three-wheel and four-wheel rollators available. They are a bit more stylish than walkers and come in various colors.
However, rolls are often heavier than walkers (around 25 lbs. as opposed to 8 lbs.), which is an important consideration if you carry it with you and don't have sufficient arm strength.
Nova Rollators with 3 wheels fit in smaller spaces, are easy to maneuver, and can make sharp turns. Their design doesn't feature seats but is lighter than other options.
The classic four-wheel Nova rollator provides stability and ease of mobility. It is easier to walk fast and move around with a rollator. Due to their four wheels, rollators may not be the best option for all users due to steering and easy hand brake operation.
You can sit and rest on a rollator seat on longer trips. There is usually a basket underneath the heart of most rollators to hold your belongings. In most cases, rollators do not come with trays.
A rollator is the best option when walking but it needs some stability and balance help. Using a rollator allows you to walk faster and maintain a normal gait. Generally, the rollator should be steerable, and the hand brakes should be operable. It is common for rollators to have a seat that allows you to rest whenever you want.
Knee scooters
The knee scooter/walker is similar to a rollator in that it allows the user to rest one knee while propelling the walker using the other leg.
Especially when one leg is injured or if you want to stay active, knee scooters make great walking aids. Despite being fun to use, they are probably not the best option for someone lacking mobility or strength.
Wheelchairs
An electric wheelchair, for instance, does all the work for you, unlike most walking assistance devices covered above that require you to do some work.
Wheelchairs provide transportation for people who cannot walk or shouldn't put weight on their lower limbs. For those with severe disabilities or who travel long distances, a wheelchair can be a great mobility aid.
Mobility Scooters
While mobility scooters are similar to wheelchairs, they are larger, battery-powered, and have steering controls—mobility scooters are designed to work outdoors. A mobility scooter is more like a walking substitute than a walking assistance device. However, they are a great option for people with difficulties getting around.
Risks to consider
Using walking assistance devices is not without risk, as with any tool. For example, crutch paralysis occurs if underarm crutches place excess pressure on the armpit nerves.
Mobility aids may also cause other injuries when they are misused. When senior citizens do not know how to use devices correctly, they risk falling and causing serious damage to themselves.
A significant risk is using mobility aids that medical professionals don't provide most users. This risk is easily mitigated in any case: Before making a purchase, we recommend meeting with your doctor or physical therapist to learn how to use the device properly.