Walkers for Seniors / Walkers for Elderly People

What Are Standard Walkers for Seniors?

A standard walker for seniors is a three-sided, supportive metal frame that is designed to be utilized for mobility assistance by an older individual. The senior user stands in the center of the frame so that there is a side in front of him, and a side on either side of his body. The area behind him is the only part left unenclosed. 

Who Can Use Walkers?

In order to use a walker, the person needs to have significant strength in both arms. Push walkers for elderly persons don’t require a person to be able to carry his full body weight, but he should be at least partially weight bearing; he should be able to hold at approximately half of his body weight. This is because the walker itself is only designed to fully support about fifty percent of the user’s weight. Walkers for old people mainly provide balance support, as well as stability. 

Having balance issues or a lack of mobility simply due to old age are the most oft-told reasons why a person requires use of a mobility aid. Aside from that, there are some diseases and impairments which are common amongst the elderly population that can cause a person’s mobility level to degenerate. These include Alzheimer’s, osteoarthritis, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Individuals with such conditions, as well as anyone who suffered a stroke or recently underwent surgery, will often be required to utilize a walker for senior citizens. 

Walkers vs. Other Partial Mobility Aids for Seniors

It is important to note that walking canes and crutches, although excellent choices of mobility aids for short term use, are not as conducive to a person’s overall health when used for the long term. The aforementioned mobility devices can cause major postural issues when used for the long term. 

A walker for older persons, in contrast, is designed to reduce the likelihood of major postural issues, since you grip it with both hands, on either side. Use of a walker may affect one’s posture, but not nearly as severely as a cane would. 

Since you grip a walker with two hands, it relieves pressure from your wrists and arms. Contrast this to a cane, which you’re only gripping with one hand… It just isn’t usually as comfortable. So, by taking off pressure from the person’s hands, the walker for old age will effectively relieve arthritis-related pain, and joint inflammation. 

Elderly Walkers: With or Without Wheels?

Some senior walkers come with wheels, and some don’t have wheels. When deciding between senior walkers with wheels, and those without, keep in mind that wheeled walkers are not as stable as ones without. The benefit for seniors of a walker with wheels that is designed for elderly people is that it is less strenuous to maneuver around, since it rolls along more smoothly and doesn’t need to be lifted entirely off the ground.

Do I Need A Walker? 

This is a question many people wonder at some point in their life. Of course, if you have this question, speak to a qualified medical professional so that you can get a personal recommendation according to your situation. A medical professional will be able to tell you if you need a mobile walker for elderly people, or if it is preferable for you to choose a different walking assist for elderly people. He can also tell you which type of walker or other aid to look into. 

However, if you notice that you are often holding onto nearby surfaces while walking in order to balance or support yourself, speak to a doctor as soon as you can, since he will likely want you to purchase a mobile walker for seniors at the earliest possible opportunity.

Different Types of Walkers for Elderly People

There are many different types of walkers for seniors. Each kind of senior walker sold in stores offers distinct benefits to users. Choose the walking stand for elders that is best for your current needs, depending on your situation and preferences, and by reading through reviews on walkers for seniors. 

Walker Safety Tips for Seniors

Using an elderly person walker is a proactive method for anyone looking to stay safe while retaining their independence. However, in order to optimize your safety and limit your risk of falling as much as possible, besides for simply buying a walker for elderly people, it is imperative to seek guidance on exactly how to use a walker, before you begin doing so. For your benefit, we’ve compiled directions that will explain exactly how to use a walker for elderly people. 

1. Stand as straight as you can to prevent postural issues from developing. 
2. Step into the walker with one leg, while holding the walker in place so that it doesn’t slide. 
3. Bring your other foot forward so that it’s also in the walker. 
4. Bring the walker a small step forward. 
5. Repeat steps one through five.

Find supportive mobility walkers for seniors on AvaCare Medical, one of the best online stores that sell walkers for seniors! If you have any questions, or if you’re looking to buy a walker for elderly people that comes with specific features or benefits, call our customer care team at 1.877.813.7799. They’ll provide you with expert guidance in finding the ideal senior walker for your situation, that best meets your preferences. Call now!