You can do all the right exercises, live the healthiest of lives, and still end up with mobility issues that can’t be cured. Luckily, there are other ways to make your life easier. For example, in the modern world, there is the increasing availability of assistive devices.
Assistive devices may sound like something complicated, but it can be as simple as a walking stick. People have been using them for centuries. At its most basic, it’s just a long piece of wood that you can lean on as you stand or move.
Modern walking sticks can be a little fancier. They can be designed for the left- or the right-handed. Some come with feet for additional stability. They’re not always made of wood, with plastic or metal options available. Not every stick will work exactly the same for every person, so you may want to talk to your doctor or physical therapist about your specific needs. Making sure it’s the right height is an important step.
Then there are walking frames, sometimes called Zimmer frames or rollators. They provide more support than a walking stick, though they can be harder to maneuver (especially if you are lacking upper body strength). Again, you need to make sure it’s the right height for you, in addition to deciding if you want trays or baskets attached. If you’re spending a lot of time outside, you may want one with wheels.
For people whose ability to walk is severely limited, wheelchairs can be a valuable way to achieve some independence and ensure you can go out into the world. Most places should be willing to make some accommodations for those in wheelchairs (such as ramps or wider aisles), but it can still be a challenging situation to navigate, especially when faced with people who don’t understand the needs of wheelchair users.
Wheelchairs can be manual or electric. Mobility scooters are another electric vehicle used as a mobility aid, although their shape and size are different. They do not require the degree of upper body strength needed to maneuver a manual wheelchair, but their size and weight can make them difficult to control.
There are lots of mobility aids available. Choosing one is a very personal decision based on your circumstances, but you shouldn’t be embarrassed about needing one. It could be the key to still being able to live independently.
