Finding the best gifts for a senior with limited mobility should be easy enough you would think. On the contrary. Not until you begin your search do you realize that this is not as simple as you thought it would be.
Terms like rollators, walkers, scooters, Upwalkers, and walking canes are encountered. What are the key differences? you ask….
Choosing any gift for a senior should be a thoughtful exercise. For those with limited mobility there are several factors you will need to consider in making your choice.
If you don’t, you might have to return your purchase.
This guide is Part 2 of a four-part Metamorphosis Hub Gift Guide series that detail factors to consider.
- Part 1 – Pillows for Leg Cramps, Weighted Blankets and Duvet Covers, Pillows For Neck Pain (Orthopedic and Non – Orthopedic – The Best Gifts for Seniors and Grandparents
- Part 2 – Balance and Posture – Limited Mobility Options
- Part 3 – Cordless Phones, Cell Phones, Alarm Clocks
- Part 4 – Specialty Shoes – Arthritis and Diabetes
The full series provides you with several categories of gift items that are not only great for seniors, grandparents, and the elderly, but are gifts that will also enhance their quality of life.
These are gifts that will keep on giving. Click the associated articles in each category for more selections.
Walking Canes
There are different types of walking canes for seniors on the market. Their main benefit is that they provide balance, comfort, support the body of the user, and help prevent accidents, slips, trips and falls.
The suitability of each type of cane is based on its function to address varying needs or different injuries or medical conditions. Most canes have a weight bearing capacity between 250 lbs and 300 lbs.
There are several different types of canes. For details about each type refer to Walking Canes For Seniors – What Types Are Available?
- Crook Handle
- Fashion (Designer)
- Wooden Crook Handle
- Bariatric
- Offset Handle
- Folding (Travel)
Contrary to general thinking, before you decide to buy a cane for your loved one, use their specific needs to determine the most suitable type to buy because each cane type has special features.
Offset Handle canes are believed to be particularly helpful for seniors with arthritis or hand problems like carpal tunnel syndrome
Drive Medical – Hugo Adjustable Quad Cane – Ideal for arthritis
Check details and more selections at
Carex Stand Assist Uplift Walking Cane with Secondary Flip Down Handle
Check for details and more selections at
Nova Medical Lightweight Adjustable Designer Canes with Offset Handles
Check details and more selections at
Mobility Aids For Balance – Best Gifts For A Senior
There are a few important considerations that may influence the decision about the suitability of the U Step Walking Stabilizer for a user.
U Step Walking Stabilizer
- The U Step 2 Walker is larger and heavier than traditional rollators and may not be suitable for smaller, frail elderly users or others lacking the strength to maneuver a larger mobility device.
- Compared to other walkers and rollators, it is obvious that the U Step 2 Walker Stabilizer is a bit pricey. However, the price reflects that it is a specialized mobility product designed to address neurological balance issues. The walker is designed and produced to be durable because of the added quality, comfort and safety elements not found in many other walkers.
U Step Walking Stabilizer – For Seniors that Need Balance
You may also find this Stabilizer listed as the In-Step Mobility U-Step 2 Foldable Walking Stabilizer with Press Down Brakes
Always review the features of any mobility aid against specific needs. These will be the absolute “must haves” in the mobility aid.
Ergoactives Roller-GO Double Foldable Rollator Walker with Forearm Support
The Roller-GO folds both vertically and horizontally at the push of a button. According to the manufacturer, it is the only one in the market with ergonomic padded forearm support.
This makes it easy to transport. It adds comfort, balance, and more safety for walking purposes
Click for additional details: How to Choose a Rollator – Features and Accessories
Trainers or Balance Pads – Best Gifts For A Senior
OPTP Stability Trainer – Physical Therapy Balancing Pad
Poor Balance in Seniors – Why Oh Why?
See additional details:
OPTP Dynamic Duo Balance & Stability Trainers
Poor Balance in Seniors – Why Oh Why? See details
Rollators and Walkers
When it comes to selecting a walker vs rollator, it is easy to make a wrong choice because most people mistakenly confuse them. This is because they are, after all, mobility aids.
These two articles are a MUST READ before you decide on whether to buy any walker or rollator
- Traditional Walker
- 2, 3 or 4-wheeler/rollator
- Upright Walker
- Foldable Walker
- Bariatric Walker / rollator
There are 4 key differences between a walker and rollator:
- How they are used or operated,
- Whether they have a seat,
- If they have wheels (there is some overlap between both) and,
- Whether they have hand brakes
Walker Vs Rollator – How to Know the Difference
How to Choose a Rollator – Benefits For these Medical Conditions
Drive Medical 2 – Wheeled Rolling Walker
Rolling walkers have two front wheels and two backsliders. They are used for patients who have gait instability and do not need to exert a large amount of weight on the mobility aid
Invacare Traditional Walker
Walkers are often referred to as medical walkers because they are generally plain and “medical-looking.” They are usually employed post surgery when a patient needs to move more slowly
Rollators
3 – Wheel Rollator – Dynarex
3 – Wheel Rollators are perfect for tight living spaces as they are easy to maneuver. For more 3 – wheel selections, Check
4 – Wheel Rollator – Drive Medical
A rollator has a similar design to a walker but comes with wheels. It has 3 or 4 wheels at the bottom of the legs. Many designs include seats to allow the user to take a short rest after moving for some time.
Browse some other selections
MEDLINE Premium Empower Folding Mobiility Rollator Walker
Upright Walker – LifeWalker UpWalker
An upright walker focuses on promoting correct posture, allowing the user to walk tall and straight, without having to bend over or hunch down.
Posture Correctors
Muscles in the neck, back and shoulder control how the body maintains posture.
Slumping of the shoulders arise from activities that require the body to look down and or forward for long periods of time due to disruption of how these muscles normally operate.
This is a condition that should be corrected as quickly as possible. The longer it remains untreated, the more painful the corrective process will be because you are trying to return habituated muscles back to their natural state.
Although posture correctors are not specifically designed for seniors, they are designed and fitted differently for men and women.
Seniors should look for posture correctors that are not heavy and do not pinch into the skin. So, taking your measurement and ordering the right size is key.
OPTP Posture Support Corrector – Improves Upper Back and Neck Posture
This Posture Support Corrector is designed for individuals with rounded shoulders and/or forward head posture to help improve upper back and neck posture.
It helps pull the shoulders back into the neutral position to properly align the spine.
NEO-MEDINA TECH Back Brace – Lumbar Support Black Belt – Posture Corrector
Prevents spasm. Ideal for degenerative conditions, Arthritis Pain Relief, Scoliosis
Reduces inflammation and swelling;
Boosts immune system and metabolism
Conclusion
Finding and choosing the best gifts for a senior with limited mobility can be a challenging exercise. This guide gives you SMART gift ideas for that special senior by showing you how to make an informed decision.
If you found value in this article, kindly leave us a comment.
References
NIH 2017 Prevent Falls and Fractures https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures
In-Step U Step 2 Walking Stabilizer Manual https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1478510/In-Step-Mobility-U-Step-2-Walking-Stabilizer.html
Ann Asher (2019) What Causes Bad Posture? https://www.verywellhealth.com/posture-fixes-what-are-you-up-against-297037
Harvard Health Publications (2020) Preserving your balance https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/preserving-your-balance
Great article and gifts for the elderly, but here I found a solution for me too because I have back problems and OTPT Corrector seems to be a great solution, also the cramp pillows are great. Thank you for this article and I wish you good health. 🙂
Glad that you you were able to find some great ideas from the list! Check back often for more.
Ceci
Some great ideas here. Bit sad that there has to come to a point for people that they are getting gifts such as those you mentioned above. Like not to take anything away from your work here but if I was elderly with mobility issues and I was given a walking stick for xmas I think it would be quite a horrible reminder of my predicament.
I mean I guess if the products that you mentioned in this article can make someone’s life easier then maybe they would be good gift ideas. If something like a new roller can help with someone’s mobility then I guess they would appreciate it in the long run.
Some good ideas here anyway;
Thanks for sharing
Alex
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the read.
If you are a senior who already uses a cane, getting them one that will properly address their needs will certainly be welcome. They are assistive devices to improve the quality of life of seniors. If you are starting to struggle with minor mobility issues, a designer cane could be helpful!
Ceci