Mobility Aids

Top 3 Walking Aids for Elderly (Review & Buying Guide)

Written by Dayna C
Last Updated :
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Are you wondering which the best walking aids for the elderly are? 

It’s hard to pick the best canes for balance or walkers when there’s such a variety of brands and models.

But we’ve got your back with our top picks and an amazing buying guide.

This post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you purchase at no extra cost.

Check this comparison table for a quick guide. Read the review for further details.

Preview
HurryCane HCANE-BK-C2 Freedom Edition Foldable Walking Cane with T Handle, Original Black
Top Benefit
Walk and move more freely
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Preview
walker
Top Benefit
Transferring a lot of weight on it
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Preview
Aluminum Offset Cane Blk w/ Able Tripod Base Adj 30"-39"-9-2040-08
Top Benefit
Offering more stability
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The Best 3 Walking Aids for Elderly with Reviews

As you grow old, your chances of falling and injuring yourself increase. Chronic conditions and back pain also diminish one’s ability to walk and move without assistance. 

It’s not easy for any person – young or elderly – to accept that they need help moving around. But falling is very dangerous and can seriously limit your mobility for months. 

That’s why specialists have developed walking aids. They’re assistive devices that improve mobility and help seniors regain some independence and self-control. 

You just have to pick the right type of walking aid that suits your needs and condition. But since there are so many types of assistive devices, it’s no surprise that you’re confused about what to choose. 

Fortunately, we’ve picked the top 3 canes and walkers to help you narrow down your search.  

We’ve focused on canes/walkers because they’re the most popular walking aids among the elderly and are suitable for a variety of mobility issues. 

Remember to ensure that the cane is the right size for you. To do that, measure the distance between your wrist and the ground before the purchase.

You might need someone’s help to do this, as you should stay firm while measuring to avoid mistakes. 

1. The Freedom Edition Folding Cane with T Handle

by HurryCane

Folding Cane with T Handle

HurryCane is one of the leading companies in the walking cane market, and for good reasons. Their cutting-edge technology brings you this outstanding Freedom Edition folding cane.

It features a unique SteadiGrip design to increase traction, improve balance, and provide maximum stability.

You can use it both indoor and outdoor because the cane automatically pivots, helping you maintain natural balance while walking on uneven surfaces or inclines.  

Moreover, you can easily adjust the handle height from 30.5″ to 37.5″ and customize it to fit your posture. When you don’t need the cane, you can fold it in seconds.

Another great thing about this walking assistance device is that you don’t have to bend to the floor to pick it up. It can stand on its own next to you until you need to use it again. 

This HurryCane product also has a weight capacity of 350 pounds, so it won’t break easily when you rest your weight on it. It also comes in several colors and weighs only 16 ounces! 

However, customers note that the cane doesn’t swivel as well as they expected. 

Benefits:

  • SteadiGrip design
  • adjustable height
  • foldable
  • great weight capacity

Cons:

  • doesn’t swivel well 
Sale
HurryCane HCANE-BK-C2 Freedom Edition Foldable Walking Cane with T Handle, Original Black
21,435 Reviews
HurryCane HCANE-BK-C2 Freedom Edition Foldable Walking Cane with T Handle, Original Black
  • Folding Cane: Cutting-edge, patented technology allows the HurryCane, the #1 selling walking cane for men and women in America, to feel like a seamless extension of the body
  • Exclusive Technology: The SteadiGrip base design gives the walking stick three points of contact for maximum balance and support; WhisperFlex design of this cane with 3 prongs is always whisper quiet
  • Adjustable Height: Customize the fit of this 3-prong cane by adjusting the handle height setting between 30.5" and 37.5"; Base size: 3.5”, folded size: 13.7”
  • Convenient Design: This foldable cane stands on its own by your side when you need it, and folds up compactly in seconds when you’re sitting; Do not use collapsible cane if cord is cut, frayed or damaged
  • Compact: Walking cane quickly collapses to an easily storable 13.75 inches for maximum portability

2. The Aluminum Offset Cane with Tripod Base

by Cane

Aluminum Offset Cane

Canes with a tripod or quadripod base offer the best stability because of the additional contact points with the ground.

That’s one of the reasons this aluminum cane makes our list of the best walking aids for the elderly. But the walking stick has other impressive features that catch our attention.

For starters, the cane has a locking nut for additional safety and stability while walking and adjusts from 30″ – 39,” making it suitable for a wide variety of people.

The offset walking stick also has a handle with a Hypalon grip and a wrist strap to provide comfort and prevent slipping.

Its base is flexible to provide better cushioning for your hands and wrists and reduce the pressure.

Moreover, the cane is self-standing and suitable for stairs and all-weather terrain. It also weighs 1 pound so that you can carry it with you wherever you go.

Benefits:

  • unisex
  • a locking nut
  • adjustable height
  • handle with a wrist strap
  • self-standing

Cons:

  • doesn’t fold

3. Folding Travel Walker by Drive Medical

walker

When standard canes can’t offer you the stability you need, a walker might be your best option since it has four points to the ground.

Fortunately, Drive Medical has just the thing for people that need something light, portable, and easy to use.

The Deluxe folding walker features a redesigned rear glide cap so that you can slide the walker over most surfaces with minimum effort. The wheels also ensure a smooth performance.

Moreover, the Drive Medical’s walker has a vinyl contoured grip for maximum comfort, and you can move each side independently to move through narrow spaces.

Thanks to the push-button mechanism, you can fold the walker when you don’t need it, and its light aluminum frame (7.5 pounds) ensures that you can transport it with ease.

You can also adjust the walker’s height from 32″ to 39,” but it’s not suitable for stairs or escalators. Some users also note that the button is hard to push if you’ve got arthritis.

Benefits:

  • adjustable height
  • light frame
  • rear glide caps for
  • smooth performance
  • a vinyl grip
  • foldable and easy to use

Cons:

  • not suitable for stairs/escalators
    the folding button might be difficult to push
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Folding Travel Walker

Still, confused by the walking aids? Check this extensive list to help you

7 Types of Walking Aids for the Elderly

Don’t be surprised that there are so many types of walking aids. Walking problems can be due to many conditions and require a different level of support/stability.

#1 Canes

The most traditional walking aids that seniors use are canes. They help improve stability, support your body’s weight, and reduce the strain on your legs and back. 

Moreover, canes are portable, easy to store, and don’t need much maintenance. They also tend to be affordable and can be adjusted to your height.

However, canes put pressure on the hands and wrists as you walk. If you lack upper body strength or have poor balance, a walking stick might not be the best choice for you. 

#2 Crutches

Like canes, crutches take the pressure from your lower body and make walking easier. Usually, people use them in pairs after breaking a leg.

In general, crutches are more difficult to use because they’re more obstructive. As such, they are a better choice as a temporary mobility aid than a permanent one. 

#3 Walkers

Usually, walkers have a frame with four legs to facilitate walking. They provide excellent stability and support for the body and are lightweight, portable, and sometimes foldable. 

However, seniors might find walkers to be difficult to maneuver around obstacles outside the house. 

Still, walkers are a great option for people with back pain or people with obesity.

READ MORE: Best Upright Walkers for Seniors

#4 Rollators

Rollators are similar to walkers, but instead of legs, they have wheels. Some rollators also have seats so that you can sit and rest when you get tired. 

In general, rollators are an excellent choice if you need more mobility support than walkers/canes can provide but don’t want to consider wheelchairs. 

However, rollators can be bulky and heavy, which can limit their daily use.

READ MORE: Elderly Walker With Seat

#5 Knee Scooters

Knee scooters are something like skateboards. You place one knee on a cushioned seat and use the other leg to push the scooter forward.

As such, knee scooters are the best choice when you’ve got an injured leg and want to stay active and mobile. But they’re not suitable for severe mobility issues.

READ MORE: Best Knee Scooter For Seniors

#6 Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters, such as the EzFold Scooter, are battery-powered and have a steering wheel and controls. They are great for getting around when you’ve got mobility problems but aren’t suitable for inside the house. 

#7 Wheelchairs

People often think that wheelchairs are only for people with disabilities.

However, manual wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs serve the same purpose – they give users the ability to move with minimum assistance. 

As such, wheelchairs are a great walking aid for people who can’t step on their lower limbs, experience great pain when walking, or should keep still for a prolonged period of time. 

Check Our Detailed Guide For More Information: Best Wheelchair For Seniors

Walking Aids for Elderly – Benefits

We know that getting a walking aid isn’t an easy decision. But they can make all the difference and allow you to move around without pain or fear of falling. 

You should also consider the following benefits of walking aids:

  • help you during the rehabilitation process and speed up your recovery 
  •  allow you to maintain proper body weight and keep you active
  • improve balance, stability, and coordination
  • improve upright body posture
  • increase your confidence while walking
  • reduce back pain, muscle pain, and lessen stretched ligaments

3 Tips on Using Walking Aids

Using walking aids isn’t that easy as you might think. Improper use, overuse, or incorrect use might do more damage to your body than you can imagine. 

So, here are three tips to help you. 

#1 Talk to Your Doctor

Walking equipment is designed to improve mobility, but you have to use it properly to have the wanted effect. Otherwise, your walking aid might lead to other problems. 

For example, underarm crutches can cause crutch paralysis if you put too much pressure on your armpit’s nerves. 

Talk to your doctor or physical therapists and ask for proper instructions on using your walking aid. The same goes if you aren’t confident that you’ve picked the right walking aid. 

#2 Use Your Walking Aids in Public

It’s normal to feel embarrassed about people seeing you walking with a cane. But you might aggravate your condition by leaving your aid at home.

You also risk falling and injuring yourself if you have balance issues or leg weakness. 

Don’t be ashamed of your condition. If you look closer, you’ll notice that many people use walking sticks, canes, and scooters, no matter their age. 

#3 Wear the Right Shoes

Shoes are almost as important for your stability as your walking aid. Choose shoes with non-skid soles for maximum traction, preferably rubber. 

You also want to practice walking with your aid at home before you start going outdoors. 

Conclusion

Mobility aids can improve your posture, reduce back pain, and help you with your coordination. They’re not something that should make you feel embarrassed or ashamed. 

It might take time to fight the best walking aid for you, but it’s worth it when you can enjoy the freedom of movement once again!

Our Top Pick

Sturdy Drive Folding Steel Walker, Two Button

What do you think about these top 3 walking aids for the elderly? Have you ever used one, and which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments. 

About Author

Dayna C
Dayna has an incredible passion for helping others and a background as an in-home caregiver for the elderly. She left the field temporarily three years ago to stay at home with her twins, but found that she really missed working with senior citizens. She launched LoAids as a way to help not just her own loved ones and former clients, but ALL seniors live life to the fullest in their golden years.  Follow her on LINKEDIN and TWITTER. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

11 thoughts on “Top 3 Walking Aids for Elderly (Review & Buying Guide)”

  1. The walker and cane are the ones I see most often. I hope to see more places get walkers and cane accessible though. I hold the door when I see someone with one because I can tell it’s hard to reach and hold the door with either. Thanks for sharing!

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