Walking aids come in many forms and in many shapes and sizes, but the overriding purpose of walking aids are the same, they are designed to make walking and undertaking daily activities, either indoors or outside, easier.
It’s true to say that the advent of lightweight materials and compact designs has revolutionised the walking aid market. This is good news for users, as inevitably prices have come down greatly making walking aids more affordable to a wider range of people.
Whilst walking aids are often associated with people that have a disability or those recovering from an injury or surgery, in fact walking aids are finding a much wider audience, as people realise that a little help and stability in certain situations can make walking and outings in general, more enjoyable and less stressful.
The simplest form of walking aid is a walking stick which nowadays comes in all sorts of models, colours and personalisation. A good example of one of these modern walking sticks is the Flexyfoot Folding Walking Stick.
This extremely lightweight, yet very strong walking stick folds down to an extremely small package that allows it to be carried and used virtually anywhere you roam. It features a patented Flexyfoot ferrule, (the part that comes in contact with the ground) that gives a ‘four wheel drive’ grip across all terrains and is great for everyday general use, or for those who like to walk as a sporting activity, along the lines of Nordic walking, where a lightweight stick is part of the essential kit. Flexyfoot, as well as being the brand of the stick, refers to the flexible, multi-directional nature of the tip, which can adhere easily to gradients and uneven surfaces with ease - a big improvement over the traditional walking stick ferrule.
Walking aids make the most difference, of course, when there is a weakness or long-term disability that compromises the ability to walk and balance unaided. Although for many people, the decision to start using a walking aid can be a big mental step and not one they would ordinarily choose to make, the benefit can outweigh the fears and natural trepidation.
Walking aids make the most difference, of course, when there is a weakness or long-term disability that compromises the ability to walk and balance unaided. Although for many people, the decision to start using a walking aid can be a big mental step and not one they would ordinarily choose to make, the benefit can outweigh the fears and natural trepidation.
The fact is that there are walking aids that cover for many different levels of mobility and the range that a person needs to be able to safely cover, either indoors or outside. Other factors for consideration include whether there needs to be the facility for carrying personal belongings, equipment or shopping on the device providing the support.
The Four Wheel Walker is a great option that fulfils the need for additional walking support, whilst also having the functionality of a carrying function for belongings or shopping items.
This featured walker is the Invacare Banjo 4 Wheel Walker, which is at the forefront of technology and research into lighter weight walking aids and other equipment innovations worldwide. The Banjo provides a high level of support and stability and has a very lightweight and yet robust build for intense day-to-day use. This may be for daily trips out to the shops, for family walks, or as the image shows, for travel including international travelling, which is made easy due to its compact folding shape and lightweight build.
Walkers have brakes to enable the full control of the walker across gradients, cambers and uneven surfaces, providing essential balance and the peace of mind of a secure footing, whatever the nature of the indoor or outdoor surface.
As well as providing balance and aiding in coordination, walking aids make a huge difference to mental wellbeing. It’s very well documented that getting out and about, and enjoying the fresh air has an enormous impact on how we feel and interact with others. Being limited in our ability to enjoy the outdoors, or even moving freely within our own homes, or other residences can mean a loss of independence, reduced self-esteem and confidence and potentially isolation and loneliness. Walking aids, therefore, have a therapeutic effect that is not only limited to physical exercise.
Walkers have brakes to enable the full control of the walker across gradients, cambers and uneven surfaces, providing essential balance and the peace of mind of a secure footing, whatever the nature of the indoor or outdoor surface.
As well as providing balance and aiding in coordination, walking aids make a huge difference to mental wellbeing. It’s very well documented that getting out and about, and enjoying the fresh air has an enormous impact on how we feel and interact with others. Being limited in our ability to enjoy the outdoors, or even moving freely within our own homes, or other residences can mean a loss of independence, reduced self-esteem and confidence and potentially isolation and loneliness. Walking aids, therefore, have a therapeutic effect that is not only limited to physical exercise.
Sometimes the walking aid may just be occasional support in an indoor scenario. One example of a very useful walking aid for such use is the Combination Trolley Walker, which enables the carrying of small items of personal belongings, hobby equipment, phones, laptops, TV remotes, to other rooms in the house or even outside in the garden! Rather than just being an indoor walker, the combination walker gives that little extra functionality in the home meaning that those handy items don’t need to be left behind.
So in summary, walking aids make a real difference to the lives of millions of people worldwide every day by providing reassurance, support and aid in coordination. They are also increasingly being adopted for use in a wider context with models of equipment being adapted and strengthened for use in sporting and outdoor off-road usage situations. Without the innovations and greater availability of walking aids, it would mean a loss of freedom and choice, as well as opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the associated socialisation this can bring.
If you would like to take a look through a more comprehensive range of walking aids, feel free to visit our main category page here
Phil Ashforth is a staff writer for Mobility Smart, an online retailer of health, wellbeing and mobility equipment to help you recover from injury, recuperation and protection of joints and muscles when exercising or just helping you in normal daily life, you’ll find their website here
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