It is important that you maintain an active lifestyle no matter what age you are. This can be harder for older adults who are starting to experience more health and mobility problems. One way to maintain your independence is using walking aids like walkers.
There are many different types of walkers, and it is hard to properly assess which one is best for you without prolonged usage. The main thing that walkers should help with is your balance, the ability to move around and rest when needed. This not only allows you to move more freely, but also as a reliable step to preventing falls. Here are four different types of walkers for seniors that you should know about.
Standard Walkers
A standard walker comes with four legs that have rubber tips that are non-skid and non-slip at the base. It will require you to lift it up and put it back down in order to move. For this reason, it will require the user to have more arm strength and is generally used for shorter distances. Unlike those with wheels, this kind of walker is the best for stability and balance if you just want to stand and socialize or move around the house and will also be the best for beginners.
Two-Wheel Walkers
As the name states, instead of four legs that a standard walker has, two are equipped with wheels to allow for greater freedom and mobilization. Since it still has two back legs with rubber tips, it can still offer support that is weight-bearing and will be a good fit for individuals looking to try rolling walkers.
Three-Wheel Walkers
Three-wheeled walkers are built for greater mobilization and easy turning. There are two subcategories of three-wheel walkers – one that only has three legs, and one where three of the four legs have wheels. The amount of weight bearing support that it has will depend on which category of three-wheel walkers it falls in. More importantly, unlike the previous two types of walkers, it can better navigate tight paths and other small spaces for increased mobility.
Four-Wheel Walkers
Four-wheel walkers should not be given to a beginner as they are not suited for people with balance issues or who are just starting to get used to using a walker. However, they will help with prolonged movement and can also be outfitted with different accessories according to your needs.
Active Independent Senior Living at TerraBella Windsor Lake
If you are looking for a walker, you would understand that just because we have grown older, it doesn’t mean that you need to slow down or become sedentary. What matters most is that as your needs change as you grow older, different structures and solutions are put in place to allow you to continue the lifestyle you want.
This is why, here at TerraBella Windsor Lake, we have created a safe place for individuals to live independent lives in our senior living community. With comprehensive exclusive senior living programs that motivate our residents to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, our team is dedicated to helping each member of our living community gain greater independence and joy each day.
For more information on how we adapt our living spaces to help facilitate mobility or our senior living options, contact us today.
