Being confined in a chair is by all means not what you have to reconcile with if you are a senior with mobility issues. Whether it’s the old age, or some trauma, chronic disease, and rehabilitation process, the reduced movements might deprive the pensioners of their lovely moments’ maturity brings.
Why bother, though, when the mobility aids market is full of so many alternatives letting elderly people continue living their ordinary lives? There’s no need, too…
Using a walker for the elderly is a fantastic option for old people with any type of mobility issue. These devices improve the balance, offer more strength to the body and bring the confidence back to the senior’s soul.
Moreover – common walkers for the elderly are not just extremely safe for usage with no assistance (or minimum assistance) but give the desired flexibility and in most cases are quite affordable to buy. The price is worth it considering the fact how much joy, convenience, and self-confidence they can bring to today’s seniors.
Which are the most common types of walkers of the elderly?
The global market of mobility aids is generous enough to let the seniors choose something that will really fit their individual needs. Speaking of which, it’s not just the variety of brands or a whole range of price rates they can select from. The types of common walkers of elderly distinguish, at first, by factors like models and functions they offer:
- Standard walkers – just because they are called standard, please, don’t underestimate them. The latest innovations in the field let the manufacturers add different specific and modern functions even to the oldest types of walkers. In general, these walkers are better for indoor use.
- General folding walkers – they look like the standard walkers and they usually serve the same role. The specific thing about the general folding walker is that it can be folded – aka stored more easily and even carried for a long trip. Because of this fact, folding walkers are mainly made from lightweight materials. The storage isn’t just easy and suitable for smaller living spaces, but it’s also simple to perform. The latest models require just a click on one or two buttons to become storable in tiny areas.
- Triangle 3-wheeled walkers – we usually recommend these walkers for the elderly, who feel weak to move and operate with a mobility device. They are also preferable to strong pensioners, who, though, don’t want someone else to help them with using a mobility aid. Triangle 3-wheeled walkers are specific for the fact that they are offering more flexibility and perfect maneuver. Hence, note that these walkers don’t come with a seat or knee pad. They don’t even have a handle for resting.
- 4-wheeled walkers – also popular by the name of a rollator. As the name says, this common type of walker for the elderly has 4 wheels, which is why they are the fastest mobility aids in this case. Due to the speed the walker provides, though, the senior is required to be healthy and strong enough to maintain control over the device in a proper way. If this is possible, the rollators provide smooth mobility. Meanwhile, these walkers come with additional extras like storage bags, innovative systems for locking the wheels and many more.
- Bariatric walkers – in general, these common types of walkers for the elderly are similar to the standard walkers (these days, even to the standard folding walkers). Though, what distinguishes them is the additional pack of extras. In most cases, the special features are a more stable base and a bigger capacity for the weight it can secure.
- Walkers of a scooter type – the scooters represent the latest innovation in the mobility aids market. The big deal with the walkers for the elderly of a scooter type is maximum speed with no requirement for maximum strength. This is why you can see the top fashion seniors in such devices all the way long your district. We love the scooters as they bring an amazing sense of balance, more flexibility than ever and they are usually with fantastic modern design.
Top things to consider when choosing any common type of walkers for elderly
We are confident when claiming that the best common walker for the elderly is the one that fits you finely and perfectly well. The good news is that the market is large enough to offer numerous options to test and try at first, and then to make up your mind whether to purchase something or not.
When doing your research for the best common types of walkers for the elderly, as well as when feeling ready to purchase, it is recommended to consider these top things:
1. Does the width of the walker suit my body structure?
Those walkers which are mainly purchased for indoor use should, though, pass through your home’s doorways, too. Also, don’t forget that there are premises at home with smaller doors you might want to enter with the walker – usually the bathroom and the larder are such rooms.
On the other side, the common walkers for the elderly are 22 to 27 inches wide at the base, but others appear to be so narrow that they will deprive you of getting completely anywhere. The width between the handles is also important. Your hips should fit comfortably inside the walker.
2. Can the weight of the walker support you and can you support such weight?
Things are a bit more complicated when it comes to the weight factor. On one hand, the weight of the walker might be too big and if you are weak or thin, you might feel hard to carry and use it.
On the other hand, if the walker for the elderly is too light, it might not be reliable enough to support a person with overweight or just a senior with higher weight regardless of the fact the senior is strong. Note that the weight of the walker is in most cases an important feature to consider only when it comes to standard (including folding) walkers.
3. The 2-Height factors in the selection for the best common type of a walker for elderly
Ok, we have already discussed the weight and the width, now what about the height? The height is another important measurement you need to keep in mind when selecting your walker in the store. However, the heights that are significant for your convenience are two in total.
First of all, let’s talk about the walker height – if the model is not adjustable (which, in today’s modern market is essential), make sure the height suits your height. Second of all, the height of the seat allows you to consider when getting on and off the walker would be easy enough for you to perform with no need to ask for some help.
4. Special functions the contemporary walkers for elderly should on mandatory have
Now, let’s get to the point – we live in a modern era where technologies advance with each next second. This is why, as customers (including patients who are on the medical market) we have the right to require as much as possible.
For the common types of walkers for the elderly, it’s good to require fine brake type (loop one if you want to use a rollator) and folding system to carry and store the device easily and conveniently. In addition to these, having some extras – like cushion pads for more comfort, basket for shopping, massage system, and anti-stress technology are recommended to appear in your next walker for the elderly (or first).
Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about the common types of walkers for the elderly!
Now, when you know the options you’ve got you can select the right common type of walkers for the elderly with ease – whether you are going to use it, or you are doing the selection for a close person of yours. Please, never forget to consult your final decision with your therapist or a medical specialist.
The expert in the field is going to approach your case individually and will make corrections in your intentions for specific future activities or plans. This is how you will keep your freedom and independence both: in comfort and maximum safety for you or your close person’s health.
We would like to remind you that our personal recommendations are not conducted on anyone’s individual health condition. Even if you have already decided on one of the models we have presented to you, seems to be the most suitable for you, please, don’t perform the purchase before a meeting and a consultation with your therapist or any medical expert.
We would be happy to help you out in case you have questions to ask about the common types of walkers for the elderly, or you just need more information to have in mind when making your purchase selection. We are always here by your side to support and consult you!
