According to Statistics Canada, 24.1% of Canadians over the age of 65 live with some form of mobility issue. Mobility issues can make you less independent and more likely to fall, which can have a negative effect on your happiness and quality of life. Luckily, there are many mobility aids available that can help boost your confidence, independence, and safety.

Tips on finding the right mobility aid

There are several things you should consider when shopping for a mobility aid.

• How long can you stand and walk?

The mobility aid you choose will depend on the severity of your mobility issues. If you only have minor problems, a cane might be for you, if your issues are more severe, you may need a walker or a wheelchair.

• How active are you?

Think about your lifestyle. If you only tend to walk short distances, you may only need a cane. However, if you usually walk longer distances, a rollator or a walker might be a better fit.

• How much do you weigh?

Remember to check the weight limit of the mobility aid you’re interested in to make sure it’s safe to use.

• What are your surroundings like?

Assess your home and look out for things like narrow entryways, corridors, and areas where manoeuvring a larger mobility aid might be tricky.

What mobility aids are available?

There are a wide variety of mobility aids available. The aids listed below are ordered by the level of support they offer.

Passive aids

Passive mobility aids are usually the first port of call for someone experiencing mobility issues. They include items such as grab bars, raised toilet seats, bath transfer benches, and furniture raisers that focus on specific areas of the home which might cause mobility problems.

Canes

Canes can be good if you have minor balance or mobility issues. They’re usually very light weight and portable and feature a range of different handle designs, so you can find one that’s most comfortable. You can get them with either a single or a quad tip, with the quad tip offering the most support.

Walkers & rollators

Next up from canes are walkers and rollators. Unlike a cane, these allow you to support both sides of your body at once so can be more comfortable over longer distances. They can also be accessorized with a basket, making them great for shopping or running errands.

Wheelchairs & transport chairs

Wheelchairs and transport chairs are for people who struggle to walk at all, or those who can only walk very little. The main difference between them is that wheelchairs can be self propelled or pushed by someone else, whereas transport chairs can only be pushed by someone else.

A mixture of mobility devices

It might take some time to settle on the right mobility device for you. However, you may also find that you need different aids at different times. For example, when moving around your home you might only need a cane, while on longer walks a rollator could be a better option.

Retaining your mobility as you get older is important for your physical and mental health. Finding the right mobility aid can make you feel more confident and allow you to get out and spend time with friends and family. If you’re looking for a new mobility aid, you can browse our wide range of options here.  

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://carex.com/blogs/resources/selecting-the-right-mobility-aid#:~:text=If%20you%20only%20have%20minor,tool%20is%20be%20for%20you.

https://carex.com/blogs/resources/the-continuum-of-mobility-a-guide-to-decreased-mobility

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318463

https://www.visitingangels.com/knowledge-center/senior-health-and-well-being/how-to-choose-the-right-mobility-aid/197