SeniorResource SeniorResource
SeniorResource SeniorResource
  • Housing
    • Senior Housing Information & Options
    • Assisted Living
    • Cohousing
    • Modular Home Communities
    • Senior Apartments
    • Shared Housing
    • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Age In Place
    • Age In Place Overview
    • Aging In Place Specialists
    • Adult Day Care
    • Home Care
  • Elder Law
  • Medicare
  • More
    • Your State
    • Senior Education
    • Finance
    • Insurance
    • Your Health
    • Aging Process
    • Alzheimer's Help
    • Retirement Communities
    • Jokes

Alternatives to Canes for Seniors

Posted by SeniorResourceCommunity Oct 28, 2019

Older adults with mobility impairment, gait abnormality, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other health conditions rely on canes to facilitate movement similar to that of unassisted walking. Although walking canes are used widely by seniors, they are not always the best option.

Disadvantages of canes

Cane users tend to have shoulder issues from leaning on it too heavily. They bend forward and walk, which affects their posture and leads to a number of other ailments. Cane users end up walking with unnatural stride lengths, where they can take short steps over time.

A walking stick might be beneficial

Unlike canes, walking sticks don’t give seniors that “senior” look. They are also believed to strengthen users’ muscles by exercising their arms more naturally. A walking stick facilitates the bicep muscle to hold the body in an upright position, therefore not causing any undue strain on the shoulder. Walking sticks are ideal for individuals having shoulder problems from using canes.

A walking stick corrects the issues of leaning forward and taking short steps by encouraging the person to stand upright, have correct posture, and walk with a normal stride. However, walking sticks are meant for higher functioning individuals who want to reap the exercise benefit of walking.

Nordic walking knows no boundaries

Nordic walking is a form of fitness walking, which can be undertaken by people of different age groups. Specially designed poles known as Nordic walking poles are used to perform this fitness activity. Nordic walking came into existence two decades ago.

Nordic walkers in contrast to regular walkers walk with greater intensity and receive fitness building stimulation for the chest, abdominals, shoulders, arms, spinal, and other important muscles that could result in an increased heart rate for a given pace. 

Nordic walking poles are available in various forms, such as one-piece poles, poles of varying lengths, telescoping poles of adjustable length, and non-adjustable shaft versions. Nordic walking poles are also equipped with a range of wrist straps and grips. The concept of trekking poles and Nordic walking poles has been derived from that of ski poles. 

Get nifty with rollators and gait trainers

Rollators are four wheeled walkers suitable for higher-functioning individuals who don’t have to rely on the walker to bear weight. These types of walkers propel with ease, which are often equipped with baskets and seats. However, rollators are not recommended for individuals with cognitive impairment or balance issues.

Gait trainers are walking aids designed to help people with posture and stability during walking. They are used to improve walking ability, develop a healthier gait and enhance weight-bearing strength. A gait trainer is equipped with accessories such as forearm platform, trunk support, pelvic stabilizer, and guide bar.

Scope

The scope of these mobility devices is expected to increase with the technological advancements. Haptic technology is one such embedded technology that is driving the future of mobility devices. The inventions of newer composites with lighter weight and greater strength are also modifying these walking aids and their fabrication.

Posted by SeniorResourceCommunity Oct 28, 2019 Posted in Senior Health

Post navigation

Previous Post Previous post:
How To Safely Choose Senior Housing
Next Post Next post:
Best Senior Jokes for 2020

Recent Posts

  • Home Care Agency Performance Trends: 2020 Updates
  • The Hottest Video Games in 2020 For Grandchildren
  • 15 Unique Christmas Gifts For Grandma
  • Elder Housing Laws in The U.S
  • Robots to rescue your back (and save you time)!

Categories

  • General Information
  • Senior Bazaar
  • Senior Fun
  • Senior Health
  • Senior Housing

Recent Medicare Articles

  • Cigna Medicare Advantage Options
  • A Simple Guide to Determining Your Medicare Eligibility
  • Medicare Plans: How To Know Which Plan Works For You
  • Does Medicare Pay for Eye Exams And Glasses?
  • Everything You Need To Know About Medicare Part C
  • Understanding Your Options For Medicare Coverage

Senior Resources by State

Use the map below to find senior information specific to your state. We also have information for US Territories and some of Canada.

left Washington Idaho Oregon Montana California Nevada Utah Arizona Wyoming Colorado New Mexico Texas North Dakota South Dakota Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma Minnesota Iowa Missouri Arkansas Wisconsin Illinois Michigan Indiana Kentucky Tennessee Louisiana Mississippi Alabama Florida Georgia South Carolina North carolina Ohio West Veiginia Maine Vermont Rhode Island Connecticut New Jersey New Hampshire Delaware District of Columbia Maryland Alaska Hawaii Hawaii Pennsylvania Virginia Virginia Maryland Delaware New Jersey Rhode Island Connecticut Massachusetts New York New Hampshire Vermont New York
  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington DC
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming


The place for Seniors on the WEB

Your resource and advocate in areas of importance to the senior community.

We strive for continuous improvement in our mission and always welcome your input.

Contact Us
Feedback on our website? Please let us know.
Information
  • Housing
  • Age In Place
  • Education
  • Medicare
  • Home Care
  • Elder Law
  • Insurance
Fun / Popular
  • Jokes
  • Puns
  • Thoughts
  • Attitude
  • E-zines
  • Senior Bazaar
  • Finance
Other
  • Home Page
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
SeniorResource.com makes no endorsement or guarantees for specific facilities or services or products found on or linked to this site, although our information strives for accuracy, integrity, and the latest industry trends. Listings, advertisements, and links are meant to be informational and are not an offer, including in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law.

© 1996- SeniorResource.com. Born in Irvine, CA, serving the nation. All Rights Reserved.

Thank you! Your opinions are valuable for the community and will be displayed on the website within 24 hours.

Rate this item

 

 

   

Leave a comment

Thank you! Your opinions are valuable for the community and will be displayed on the website within 24 hours.

 

Does this listing need to be updated?

Thank you for helping to ensure the accuracy of this listing!