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Top Mobility Equipment For Elderly

Written By: William Rivers
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: October 27, 2020
Last updated: March 14, 2024

Mobility is one of the most remarkable qualities of mankind. The capacity to move freely gives us a sense of control that no other activity can offer. However, as we age, our bodies, especially the lower body and lower limbs, undergo drastic changes that impair this freedom.

A decline in strength can lead to many inconveniences and dangers. What once was a simple, day-to-day activity can become the most challenging (and dangerous) task. Soon enough, you might even become dependent on other people around the clock to get to the nearest places.

While nobody can reverse aging and turn back time, that doesn't mean you should give up on your independence. Thanks to advancements in senior care technologies, you can enjoy your senior years without ever having to compromise the quality of living.

Whether you're an older adult or someone experiencing some form of restriction, a mobility aid is a fantastic way to regain your personal freedom. Power Mobility aids for seniors should make moving feel safer and freer for you or your loved ones.

What's even better is that there are tons of equipment to choose from. From wheel walkers to walking cane to lightweight wheelchairs, there's a solution that caters to each unique need.

Don't know where to start? Here's all you need to know about these mobility devices like walking cane for seniors.

What are mobility aids?

Mobility aids for seniors, like cane sticks or wheelchairs, is a general term for assistive devices that help movement-restricted people move from place to place. They are designed to help adults overcome mobility restrictions that naturally come with aging.

Aside from providing help to the elderly, these devices can greatly benefit those suffering from short-term and long-term restrictions. They increase stability while in motion to make navigating easier.

What are the benefits?

If you're an older adult, you might be hesitant to consider power aids.

We get. It makes you look old.

However, the benefit of using one far outweigh whatever notions you may be harboring. Mobility aids for seniors are one of the best tools in a typical senior plan. They are best for those as well who are unable to walk. While they can hold on their own, they also help and complement any physical program you might be undertaking.

They help you regain your independence

Most people tend to compare aging with jail time. The similarities are definitely there. Like a prisoner, you're bound to be watched over 24/7 with no time for yourself.

Luckily, mobility aids and daily living aid help you stay independent despite your challenging conditions. These elderly assistance devices add a degree of self-support to your life. Also, these devices are durable.

The primary purpose of aid is to provide seniors with more opportunities to do things independently. A mobility aid is an attractive option for those who want to live independently despite their conditions.

They keep you active

Senior mobility devices do more than just help adults grapple with the upheaval in their lives. The right equipment can help elevate your lifestyle.

Mobility aids for seniors are designed to help those struggling to make a single step do more. In fact, you can even break a sweat while you're on it. With the right living aid, leisurely activities become more accessible. You'll get to take a stroll down the park, alone or with your grandchildren.

Just because you're a senior doesn't mean you have to miss out on those precious moments.

They make moving around safer

When we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and joint strength. Eventually, we lose our sense of stability. This can make walking particularly hazardous.

Moving around is a real danger for those with impaired mobility. Among American seniors, accidental falls are among the leading causes of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Indeed, the National Council for Aging estimates that one in four Americans suffers from fall injuries each year. Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a lethal fall injury.

If you're worried that you or a loved one is at risk of fall-related injuries, then having a mobility aid should provide you with peace of mind.

Mobility aid for the elderly should prevent close calls from ever happening. If you combined them with a stability program, you'd get to ensure that you're as secure as can be.

They reduce discomfort and prevent further complications

Even as rational adults, we fear the thought of aging. Sometimes, this fear can get in the way of actually seeking help. Delaying living aid can progressively exacerbate your mobility conditions.

One study reports that the many seniors who can benefit from a mobility device do not actually use them.

A mobility limitation is a slippery slope. If left unchecked, it can lead to severe issues such as complete loss of function.

Don't let fear get in the way of your comfort. The right living aid for walking can significantly reduce pain and fatigue that comes with walking when mobility-restricted. In the long run, support from aid can prevent the onset of further complications.

For older adults, a mobility device can spell the difference between daily living independently and being dependent 24/7.

What are the types of mobility aids out there?

Assisted Walking Devices

These are the best for seniors who can still walk. The category includes the following aids:

  • Cane. Standard Cane is among the most common mobility aid for the elderly in the market. They provide balance and pressure relief. Best for those with light-to-moderate walking difficulties.
  • Quad Cane. Unlike regular walking cane, the quad cane has bases containing four feet for added stability for the lower body and lower limbs. This device is very durable and long-lasting.
  • Walkers. A wheeled walker for seniors is suited for those with more severe walking issues, balance issues or unable to walk. Folding Walkers and rollator provide excellent stability at the expense of easiness. They are designed to provide greater support for the lower body than a walking cane.
  • Walker-cane hybrid. As the name suggests, the cross combines the best features of a wheeled walker and a walking standard cane. This medical device consists of two legs and a wide frame that provides considerable aid.
  • Rollators. In contrast to regular folding walkers and rollators, rollators feature wheels that make movement significantly easier for those who have balance issues.

Wheelchairs

In some cases, a walking aid will not suffice-this is where a wheelchair should be the go-to device.

Lightweight wheelchairs are best for those who are unable to walk or find great difficulty in doing so. They're also recommended for those with weaker lower limbs as it is a durable device.

There are numerous ways to propel a manual wheelchair. The user can do it or have someone do the pushing. In fact, some wheelchairs are electrically powered.

Some newer models are even designed to function automatically by neural impulses. Whatever mechanism you opt for, the manual wheelchair should help you experience greater mobility and autonomy.

Mobility Scooters

Recently, there has been a surge in scooter use among older adults and movement-impaired individuals. As the name suggests, a mobility scooter is a battery-powered vehicle that functions similarly to an automatic or manual wheelchair. This medical device is best for those who are unable to walk.

A typical mobility scooter consists of at least three wheels at the base and a flat platform where users can rest their feet. Once comfortably sit in place, the user can control the device with a handlebar or a steering wheel.

For those with limited mobility and upper body strength, mobility scooters are an attractive option. However, the learning curve is higher for this medical device.

Ready to make a move?

From stability to safety, mobility aid for the elderly can significantly improve the well-being of older people and mobility-restricted individuals. The aid that comes from having a walking aid for elderly people equates to more freedom and control.

If you're a senior, a mobility device might be just what you need to reclaim your life.

We know that making a decision like this can be difficult. Making the transition from unassisted to assisted walking is a serious undertaking.

That's why here at Senior Strong, we want to make the process easy for you. Our senior care experts are here to help you achieve the best living you deserve.

Whatever your goals are, wherever your heart wishes to go, there's a mobility aid for the elderly ready to take you there.

If you're looking for a van, check out our blog about the best handicap van for seniors to know more about our recommendations.

To get you moving, we suggest you contact Senior Strong today!

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William Rivers is an editor with a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling at Maine State University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry.

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