Each year, one in four seniors experiences a fall. It’s is a major concern for elderly citizens, families and doctors because as someone ages, their health complications associated with falling grow much greater. Instead of just falling and being able to get up with a few scratches or being soar for a few days, when someone older falls, they can seriously break bones, dislocate ribs or end up stuck on the ground in agonizing pain if they can’t get up, and no one is there to help. If you have a loved one who is older, or you yourself are getting up in age and want to remain mobile but also safe, investing in walkers for seniors may be your best option. Here are three questions to ask if a walker may be well suited for you or an aging loved one.
- Do you run out of breath easily?
If walking in the grocery store or down the driveway to get your mail leaves you winded, out of breath and ultimately exhausted, a walker can help. A walker takes some of the pressure off your legs, lungs and body and allows you to rest some of your weight on it instead. You don’t have to totally rely on your own strength anymore because a walker is there to give you more support. It enables you to move for a longer period of time and ultimately do more on your legs because you won’t end up so exhausted.
- Do you struggle putting weight on your legs?
It’s a terrible feeling when something as beneficial as your legs are in constant pain. It can make just the thought of moving cringeworthy. However, you don’t have to stay in a state of unending pain in your lower body. A walker puts some weight on your arms and takes a lot of the pressure off your legs. You still have to use your legs, but you’re using more of your body to bear the brunt of your weight. A walker also absorbs as much pressure as needed to keep you moving.
- Does walking hurt?
As muscles, joints and ligaments go through life’s wear and tear, sometimes they can end up in a dismal state as you age. Since you can’t reverse the process of aging on your bones, a walker enables you to maintain movement without being in so much pain. Surgeries to repair worn out body parts can be expensive and may not even work, but a walker is a much more inexpensive option to try that leaves you in less pain with more ability to move.
Taking the time to analyze your current state of movement by asking these questions is key to helping you figure out if purchasing a walker is a good idea for you or someone you love who may be struggling with mobility. It’s nothing to be ashamed of; instead, adding a walker into your life shows you’re committed to maintaining your independence, movement and mobility. You’re not just going to sit around and watch life go by. You’re going to be a part of life’s special moments.