Walking Aids For Seniors | Mobility Center

As we age, the likelihood of falling and developing mobility issues will only increase. If you are searching for “walking aids for seniors“, Mobility Center of Arizona is here to help!

Types Of Walking Aids

The type of mobility aid needed is going to depend on the mobility problem or injury. The more general types of mobility aids comprise of:

1. Mobility Scooters

Comparable to wheelchairs, these scooters come with a seat set on the top of 3, 4, or 5 small wheels.

The user’s feet rest on footings, and there are handle-bars or a steering wheel to manage direction. They are usually powered by a battery.

These scooters are helpful for individuals that don’t have the upper-body stamina or agility for using a manual wheelchair. A lot of scooter users report a positive influence on their lives because of their choice of mobility aid.

Guidelines for using mobility scooters on side-walks and roadways differ by location. Training is typically available for those wishing to use a mobility scooter for their first time.

Benefits Of Mobility Scooters:

Make daily activities easer.
Ease of use.
Wide variety of models and features.
No license or registration required.

2. Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs can be used by those that shouldn’t be putting weight on their lower limbs or that are incapable of walking. They are more suitable than walkers for individuals with acute disabilities or when traveling over further distances is required.

Wheelchairs can be manually moved by the user, pushed by another individual, or powered electrically. Wheelchairs that can be moved by a user’s neural impulses was designed in 2016.

Benefits Of Wheelchairs:

Ease of use.
Increased independence.
Customizable.
Aid in social interactions.

3. Canes

Canes are likewise to crutches in the way that they support body weight and aid in transmitting the load from the legs to the upper torso.

Nevertheless, they take less weight off of the lower body than crutches do, and place increased pressure on the wrists and hands.

Benefits Of Canes:

Good for your joints.
Improves mobility.
Upper body workout.
Ease of use.

4. Crutches

Crutches aid in transferring weight from the legs to the upper torso. They can be used separately or in pairs. Crutches aid in keeping individuals upright and can be used by people with short-term injuries or enduring disabilities.

Benefits Of Crutches:

Transfers weight from legs to upper body.
Can be used in pairs.
Helps for short-term or long-term issues.
Ease of use.

5. Walkers

Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, are comprised of a metal frame with 4 legs offering stability and reinforcement to the user. These very firm walking aids are used by 4 ½ percent of adults in the US over the age of 65.

Typical walkers come with 3-sided framework surrounding the user. Users raise the framework and place it further in front of them, as they step forward to come up to it, before doing the process over.

Many walkers come with wheels or glides on the base of it’s legs, meaning the user is able to slide the walker instead of raising it. This is particularly helpful for individuals with minimal arm strength.

Benefits Of Walkers:

Safer than alternatives.
Extra support.
Less stress on body.
Helps you stay active.

Mobility Tips For Seniors

All bodies will go through a series of physiological changes as a natural part of aging. These changes can drastically impair your life and your mobility, of course. Here are a few tips to keep you as mobile as possible throughout the years:

Regular Exercise

Exercising is one of the best ways to maintain mobility and independence as you age. A recent study showed that regular exercise can undoubtedly improve mobility in seniors. The recommendation here is to enroll in an exercise program to help you meet your specific exercise goals. Even walking for 30 minutes per day has been proven beneficial for overall health.

Healthy Diet

Not maintaining a healthy diet and gaining weight can cause many mobility impairments, as expected. As you age, diet and nutrition becomes paramount. To maintain a healthy balanced diet, try to keep track of what you eat and cut back on junk foods.

Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona

Mobility Center has been proudly serving the entire Phoenix, Arizona area since 1975 with the finest in mobility aids, scooters, wheel chairs, lifts and support equipment. Visit our convenient location to see the products and receive the individual attention that you deserve. Our service area includes Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, and Sun City.

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