Walking with Ease: A Guide to Walkers and Walking Sticks

Mobility aids like walkers and walking sticks are tools that are used by seniors to maintain their balance and stability while they carry out their daily activities. Thus, they grant freedom of movement to seniors, act like a best friend in their hard times, and enable them to live a life of independence!

Who Needs a Walker? A walker can be used as an active support system by anyone who is suffering from the following:

• Difficulty in bearing the weight of the body due to old age
• Difficulty in maintaining body balance due to conditions like Vertigo
• Shortness of breath due to respiratory or heart diseases
• Rehabilitation following a stroke or hospitalization
• Acute medical conditions like Osteoporosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, or hemiplegia
• Injuries to the leg or thigh
• Postural problems
• Weak upper body strength
• Arthritic pain
• Fear of falling

Walkers for Seniors It is imperative that special attention and care is extended while choosing a walker for a senior. Here are the attributes of an ideal walker or a walking stick for seniors:

• Great handle grip that is sweat resistant
• Durable walker body that can handle the body weight of seniors
• Adjustable height for the legs of the walker/walking stick.
• Tripod at the base of walking sticks to handle excess weight
• Any other attribute that makes it unique to a particular condition

Types of Walkers Depending on the usage and the type of medical condition involved, there is a plethora of types of walkers that can be bought. Check them out:

1. Anterior Safety Walkers

This is a type of walker that emphasizes onsafety and balance of aperson. The patient is atthe center of the roller, and thewalker provides improved posture support.

Ideal For: People with limited hand functions and/or limited cognizance about their surroundings.

2. Wheeled walkers

Walkers that come fitted with wheels for easier mobility are known as Wheeled Walkers. These wheels are generally present at the front and are fixed, that is, they do not move from side to side.

Idea For: Seniors who want least possible effort to move due to low upper body strength or endurance. Also, fit to traverse uneven terrains.

3. Folding walkers

Walkers that come with foldable legs for easy storage, especially for patients who are often on the go. They generally come with a push-button mechanism for easy folding.

Ideal For: Seniors who have to travel regularly and want a quick and easy solution to store their walker. It provides easy management and peace of mind.

4. Rollators

Walkers that come with wheels on all 4 of the legs are known as Rollators. Models usually come with swivel wheels and hand brakes for the easiest possible and greatest range of movement. Some might even come with seats and baskets.

Ideal For: Paralytic conditions like polio, and seniors who finditdifficultto walk for long without frequent rests.

5. Knee walkers

A knee walker is a unique walker that comes with a 3 or 4 wheel walking aid that allows the users to propel themselves forward with just one leg, while the other leg can be rested on a support platform.

Ideal For: Seniors recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, amputation, and ulcers of the foot.

6. Bariatric walkers

Also known as Heavy Duty Walkers, these are built especially for people with large and heavy bodies. They are, thus, extremely sturdy and durable and can handle a lot of weight.

Ideal For: Seniors with large body mass/size who require a durable walker that can handle the weight.

7. Side walkers

Also known as a Hemi Walker, this is a special type of walker that requires only one hand to use. They come in various shapes and sizes, and are also foldable to make them fit for usage while traveling.

Ideal For: Seniors who do not entirely require a walker but need support with a wider base.

Commode Walkers A Commode Walker is a special kind of walker that comes with a seat that can be used by patients in the toilets while they relieve themselves. This is a handy design since it offers support to sit and stand.

Benefits of Commode Walkers

This special walker comes with the following benefits:

1. Seniors can use the toilet independently without any external support.

2. The product comes with all the usual features of an ideal walker.

3. Seniors can easily sit and stand with the support while on the commode.

4. The unique design makes sure that there is no spillover.

Designs and Models There are a number of designs and model types that are available in the market. Here’s a look at some of them:

1. Standard Commode Walker

2. Assist Rehabilitation Commode Walker

3. Folding Commode Walker Things to Consider While Choosing the Right Walker for You You need to take care of the following points while choosing your walker/walking stick:

1. Sizing (height/weight/width) : Since the walker might be used by customers of varying heights, it should be of adjustable length.

2. Stability: The ergonomics and design of the walker should be such that it can handle the maximum possible weight of the user.

3. Safety: Safety features like brakes in wheeled walkers are crucial since walkers are mostly used by seniors.

4. Material: The material should be durable enough to handle wear and tear. It should also be waterproof since they are often used as a support in toilets.

5. Accessories: Any required accessory for a seat or a basket should be considered before making a choice.

6. Warranty: Walkers with warranties will always give you peace of mind.

7. Cost: Cost across various walker types should be considered to choose the one that best suits your budget.

Top Walker Brands in India Since the plethora of brands can leave you dazed and confused, let’s look at the top walker and walking stick brands that you can go for in India.

1. Vissco

2. Pedder Johnson

3. Karma

4. KosmoCare

5. JSB

6. Viva Healthcare

7. MCP Jindal

8. FS Premium

9. KDS

10. ASR

The Best Walkers to Buy

Medipedic Walker Plain - Vissco

The Medipedic Walker is a basic walker that serves the purpose by allowing a good grip with the help of a blank handle. The aluminum frame is adjustable in height and is lightweight for easy carrying and handling.

Foldable Walker (JWK-01) - MCP

The easily foldable and height adjustment walking stick by MCP is convenient to use and transport. It comes with a rubber tip which helps in providing firm support and control while walking. This foldable walker can also help in quick recovery.

Medipedic Walker Castor - Vissco

This Medipedic Walker provides a larger base of support facilitating balancing while walking. This walker gives the user extra support when walking or standing as it offers far more stability than a standard walking stick. It provides four additional points of contact and a stable center for gravity positioning.

Deluxe Reciprocal Folding Walker WK 51 - Karma

This Reciprocal Folding Walker acts as an effective support aid for individuals with poor balance and helps them walk independently. The walker pivots from side-to-side in a reciprocating motion with minimal lift off the floor surface. This helps the walker move forward or backward easily.

Aluminium Foldable Walker - Mobilita

Walk with utmost comfort and safety with Amigo Aluminium Foldable Walker. The walker is made of an aluminium frame that promises maximum safety and durability. The walker has height-adjustable push handle and push down lock brakes that allow you to drive the walker comfortably along with maximum safety. The walker features a PU seat for maximum seating comfort, sturdy wheels for easy mobility and nylon shopping bag. The walker has a maximum weight-bearing capacity of 135 kg and is suitable for senior citizens, individuals with mobility issues and people recovering from injury or surgery.

Invalid Quadripod Walking Stick L Shape - Vissco

The L shaped stick from Vissco makes it easier for people with walking disabilities to rely on it. Simple and useful design, with a superior grip and 4 sturdy legs at the bottom.

Tripod Walking Stick with T-Handle (WS-12T) - Aaram

This light-weight walking stick tripod is made with high-quality aluminum that ensures perfect support, durability, non-corrosive. It also features telescopic push bottom design, adjustable height levels, tripod legs and T-shaped handle for a comfortable & safe walking experience.

Mobility aids like walkers and walking sticks are tools that are used by seniors to maintain their balance and stability while they carry out their daily activities.Thus, they grant freedom of movement to seniors, act like a best friend in their hard times, and enable them to live a life of independence!

Walking Stick With Seat- Avanti

Walking and moving about becomes challenging for people who develop walking limitations due to any reason. The Walking Stick with Seat by Avanti is the perfect solution for this problem. This stick has been specially designed for people with mobility issues. It ensures a firm grip for the user and acts as a stable walking aid grip on any surface. Also, it takes some part of the user s weight on itself making the task of walking much easier. The scratch-proof aluminium body and the changeable bottoms ensure a comfortable and confident walk. The added advantage of this stick is that along with the stable and unfailing walking assistance, it also provides you with an option of resting when you require.

Mobility aids like walkers and walking sticks are tools that are used by seniors to maintain their balance and stability while they carry out their daily activities.Thus, they grant freedom of movement to seniors, act like a best friend in their hard times, and enable them to live a life of independence!