Worried about walking? Perhaps it’s time to try a mobility aid

We all know walking is good for us:

• It improves your mood 
• It helps to build strength and reduce the risk of falls
• It improves heart health and blood pressure
• It burns calories

Don’t let worries about strength and balance keep you from your walking goals – there are things that can help. 

Deciding you need a mobility aid is a big step to take so it’s good to know what some of your options are. There are many mobility aids that can help you maintain your independence and walk with confidence. 

Walking sticks

If you’re looking for a little extra support, a walking stick is a great starting point. They’ve come a long way from the classic crook shape and now have lots of designs and styles to choose from. Whether a carved walking stick takes your fancy, or you want one that folds away, you should be able to find the right stick that suits your needs. 

Which side should you use a walking stick on? It should always be used on your strongest side, the side opposite your bad leg, but move with your bad leg. If both legs are causing you problems, you may want to consider a different type of mobility aid.

Walking frames

Walking frames can offer more stability than a walking stick if your mobility isn’t quite what it used to be. These are one of the more traditional pieces of equipment people think of when looking into mobility aids.

Some walking frames also have wheels at the front to help you move around, with an option to attach a bag so you can carry things with you. This makes them a good choice to use at home or maybe in the garden.

Rollators

When you’re out and about, walking to a friend’s house or to your local shop, a rollator can be an invaluable aid. 

Part of the appeal of a rollator is the versatility of style and design, there are options with three wheels or four wheels, different accessories, frames, and a lot of colour options. Like the super lightweight Freestyle 3-Wheel Rollator which comes in three different colours: champagne, purple, and silver. 

If you find walking tires you out, rollators can help here as well. Some designs offer a comfy seat so you can take a rest when you need to, like the Mobility Care Aluminium Rollator. Always handy if you need to wait somewhere.

• Where will you be using it?
  If you’re going to use it on uneven ground outside, you’ll need one with large wheels. In small, busy environments, like the corner shop, you may want to consider one with wheels that swivel as these are easier to turn in tight spaces
   
• Do you need a seat?
  Everyone needs to take a moment to rest now and then. Not every rollator comes with a seat though so it’s something to consider ahead of purchase. It’s also worth considering what type of backrest it has too, as that can affect your overall comfort when sitting on it
   
• Do you need one that you can lift in and out of a car?
  You may want to consider one with a lightweight frame that’s easy to fold, as a sturdier frame may be difficult to get in and out of a car
   
• Will you use it when you go shopping?
  Many rollators come with a bag or a basket, which can be very useful when you want to go shopping, but only if it’s the right size. A small bag won’t help if you have lots of shopping to carry. You should also consider how easy it is for you to get into the bag – if it’s towards the front you may need to lean forward to get into it 
   
• Is it the right size for you?
  Getting the wrong handle height will make the rollator uncomfortable for you to use. The same goes for the seat size, you want to be comfortable and feel at ease. Be sure to carefully check the size of the rollator you want to buy

If you want extra help with deciding which rollator is right for you, check out our rollator buying guide for tips and advice.