Mobility and accessibility tend to decrease as we age. While it was once easy to run from one point to another, you might now find it difficult to even get around the house. Medical conditions and surgeries can further decrease mobility. Fortunately, with a variety of mobility devices to choose from, you can regain not only your mobility, but also your independence. However, choosing the right mobility device is important for safety and health.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are more advanced than ever. Older versions of wheelchairs once required you to manually roll the wheel. This could be difficult for those with entire body disorders or those with weakened arms. Using a wheelchair required another person to move it. Today, however, wheelchairs can be entirely automatic. You can simply push a button and move yourself. They are also much more convenient, allowing you to fold them up quickly and store them either in your vehicle or in your house.
Wheelchairs are perfect for those with extremely limited movement. They are also beneficial for post surgery. However, they should not be used if your goal is to improve mobility. Because wheelchairs do not require much movement or development, it can be difficult to rehabilitate to a walking position. Some may also find it hard to maneuver a wheelchair throughout the house, unless it is specifically updated for wheelchair use.
Rollator walkers
Rollator walkers are a type of medical canes. These medical walkers are perfect for regaining mobility. The walkers have wheels on them, making them easier to use then traditional walkers. However, they still require that the user stand up, hold their own weight, and push them. In many cases, rollator walkers are used for rehabilitation after a surgery or slip and fall. The rollator walkers may also be used with a hernia belt following a hernia surgery. The hernia belt protects the injured area, while still working out the accompanying muscles.
Canes for elderly
Canes are one of the most common types of walking devices. Canes differ from rollator walkers because they have to be manually picked up and set down with each step. Although this might sound like a lot of difficult work, it is actually ideal to keep movement. A cane is helpful for those who have gone through the rehabilitative process, but still struggle with walking safely. They can also be beneficial for longer walks, where the body may begin to tire. A cane should be properly fitted and of the correct weight for the patient.
Many seniors utilize canes as a daily walking device. The use of canes and other mobility devices soared almost 50% over a recent eight year period, according to interviews of more than 7,600 Medicare beneficiaries (2015). As the number of elderly people continues to rise, the demand for walking aids is also expected to increase two fold by 2050. We are likely to see a significant increase in the demand of senior canes.
Mobility is one of the most common issues that aging seniors deal with. Chronic health conditions and injuries can prevent full movement and mobility, especially in long distances. Approximately 16.4% of people use walking aids prefer canes, 11.6% of the elderlies use walkers, just over 6% take assistance of wheelchair, and about 2.3% use scooters. The best walkers for seniors are ones that provide enough support, but that do not prevent them from working out their muscles. If you rely too heavily on walking devices, your muscles will wear away and you will notice that your mobility actually decreases. Work with your team of physicians on choosing the best mobility device for your needs. Also, know when it is time to downgrade your mobility assistance needs.