Walking and mobility aids

We are fortunate in many societies to live in a world where there are many different aids that can assist with mobility, staying active and getting around.

The obvious aids are wheelchairs and the many versions of mobility scooter, however these remove the need to walk or use our legs altogether. The other option is an aid that helps us to make the best use of our legs by offering some kind of support or balance assistance whilst we walk. The two most obvious and useful examples are strollers (walkers) and walking sticks.

Strollers, often called walkers take the form of a supportive frame, usually with four legs, that anyone with walking difficulties can use to help themselves stay balanced and in control. Some strollers have PVC or rubber ferrules on the base of their legs, whilst others have casters or small wheels on the two font legs. In both cases the walker’s frame is completely stable when all four legs are in contact with the ground and this makes it possible to lift or push the walker when initiating a step, and then lower it, or fix its position when moving forwards.

The shape of the walker means that the person using it is actually within the frame during the walking activity. As a result it would be very hard for them to fall over or slip.

The other walking aid is of course the oldest of them all, namely the walking stick. The walking stick was originally very simple and, whilst the design has evolved rather than changed, modern walking sticks do come in a number of different forms.

One of the big differences between the walking stick of 50 years ago and its counterpart of today is in the material of manufacture. Modern sticks are normally made of metal and they are strong and lightweight. Some will even fold down so that they can be stored in a pocket or bag.

A further change is in the variety of handle designs that can be selected from. There are several and each offers its own grip and holding sensation.

Being able to change the length of the stick is another modern day evolution of the walking stick. Nearly all modern sticks have this attribute and it means that it is not only possible, but practical, to set the stick at the exact height for almost anyone’s walking requirements.

One other addition to modern walking stick characteristics is colour. Once these sticks were all made of wood and they came with a varnished or polished finish. Today they can be black, green, red, blue, or almost any colour that appeals. These bright colours can also draw attention to the person using the stick which will result in those around them showing more care as they pass by.