Every day of our lives, countless people rely on walkers to enhance their mobility and independence. As the population ages and people pursue a healthy lifestyle, walkers have become an important partner in many people's lives. Whether it is due to illness, recovery from surgery, or mobility problems caused by aging, walkers provide users with stability and security.

However, when buying a walker, facing a wide range of options on the market, it is not easy to choose the right product for you. Today, we will answer various questions about walkers in detail to help you make an informed purchase decision.

What is the proportion of walkers purchased in 2023?

In 2023, with the accelerated aging of the global population and people's pursuit of a healthy quality of life, the market demand for walkers has steadily increased. According to market research data, in 2023, global sales of walkers reached a new peak. In particular, in areas with a high degree of aging, such as North America, Europe and Asia, sales of walkers have increased significantly.

Data shows that in 2023, the proportion of global purchases of walkers is about 10%, which is a significant increase compared with previous years. Especially in some developed countries, the demand for walkers among the elderly is more prominent, and walkers have almost become one of the indispensable tools in the lives of the elderly. In addition to the elderly, young rehabilitation patients and people who need assisted walking after surgery have also begun to use walkers, which has gradually expanded the user group of walkers.

What is a walker?

A walker, also known as a walking frame, is an assistive device that provides support and stability for people with limited mobility. It usually consists of a metal frame, and users can walk with the support provided by holding the handles of the walker with both hands. The original intention of the design of the walker is to help those who need additional support when walking, especially those who have difficulty walking due to age, disease or surgery.

The design of the walker pays great attention to stability and usually has four support points, which makes it more stable than crutches. The frame material of the walker is generally made of light and strong metal, such as aluminum alloy or steel, to ensure that it does not increase the burden on the user while providing support. In addition, the height of a walker is usually adjustable to accommodate users of different heights.

Who should use a walker?

Walkers are not designed just for the elderly, they are suitable for all people who need extra support and stability when walking.

The following groups of people are particularly suitable for using walkers:

● Elderly people

● Postoperative rehabilitation

● Chronic disease patients

● Pregnant women

● Rehabilitated injured people

● Elderly people: As they age, many elderly people face problems such as decreased balance and weakened muscle strength. Walkers can help them maintain stability when walking and reduce the risk of falling, thereby improving independence and safety in life.

● Postoperative rehabilitation: The recovery period after surgery is usually accompanied by mobility problems, especially in cases where joint surgery, fracture repair, etc. require time to recover. Walkers can provide necessary support for postoperative patients and help them gradually regain their ability to walk.

● Chronic disease patients: Certain chronic diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, etc., can affect patients' mobility and sense of balance. Walkers provide these patients with stability when walking and help them stay active in their daily lives.

● Pregnant women: For some pregnant women, the change in the body's center of gravity as the pregnancy progresses may cause balance problems. Walkers can provide additional support and reduce the risk of falling.

● Rehabilitated patients: For those recovering from sports injuries or accidents, if they feel unstable when walking, walkers can help them regain confidence in walking during the recovery period.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a walker?

Although walkers provide great convenience and help to users in many aspects, they also have their advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these will help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Advantages of a walker:

● High stability

● Wide range of applications

● Good safety

● Easy to adjust

The design of a walker usually includes four support points, which makes it more stable and can provide stronger support than walking aids such as crutches. Walkers are suitable for all types of users, whether they are the elderly, postoperative recoveries, or people with mobility problems due to illness.

Walkers reduce the risk of falling by providing extra support for the user, especially for those with poor balance or unstable walking. Most walkers can be adjusted in height according to the user's height and needs, ensuring that each user can find the most suitable angle for use.

Disadvantages of walkers:

● Limited mobility

● Inconvenient to carry

● Slow speed

● Limited appearance

Due to the large structure of walkers, the use of walkers may be limited, especially in small spaces. Walkers are large in size and are not as easy to carry as walking aids such as crutches, which may not be convenient when going out.

When walking with a walker, the walking speed is relatively slow because it requires both hands for support, which is not suitable for users who want to move quickly. Although walkers are powerful, their appearance may appear bulky and some users may find it unsightly.

Walker vs. Rollator: What is the difference?

When buying a walker, many people may be confused about the difference between a walker and a rollator. Although these two may look similar, they have significant differences in design and function.

Walker

A walker usually has no wheels or only front wheels, and two support points at the back are fixed to the ground. To use it, the user needs to move the walker forward and then step forward. Due to its relatively simple design, walkers are ideal for people who need extreme stability, such as elderly people with poor balance.

Rollator

A rollator usually has four wheels and a height-adjustable seat. Users can push the rollator to walk and sit in the seat when they need to rest. Rollators are suitable for users who need extra support but still have some walking ability. Due to the design of the wheels, rollators move more smoothly on flat surfaces, but may not be as stable as walkers on uneven surfaces.

Do you need a walker?

If you are considering whether you need a walker, here are a few questions to help you decide:

1. Do you often feel unbalanced?

If you easily lose your balance or often fall when walking, a walker can provide you with the necessary support and stability.

2. Do you have mobility problems due to illness or surgery?

A walker is ideal for patients recovering from surgery or long-term illnesses. It can help you maintain mobility and gradually regain your walking ability during the recovery process.

3. Do you need more security when walking?

The four-point support design of the walker provides high stability. If you feel uneasy when walking or need more support, a walker is a good choice.

If you answered yes to the above questions, then a walker may be the ideal assistive tool you need.

Things to consider before buying a walker

Before buying a walker, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that the product you choose can meet your needs:

Your physical condition

Consider your balance, muscle strength, and range of motion. If you have weak upper limb strength or need to use a walker for a long time, choosing a lighter and easier-to-operate model may be more suitable for you.

Usage environment

Is the walker mainly used indoors or outdoors? If you mainly use it indoors, it may be more appropriate to choose a small and easy-to-maneuver walker; if you need to use it outdoors, consider choosing a more sturdy walker that can adapt to various ground conditions.

Carrying and storage

If you need to go out frequently, it will be more convenient to choose a walker that is easy to fold and store. In addition, the size and weight of the walker also need to be considered to ensure that it does not cause additional burdens to carry and store.

Budget

The price range of walkers is wide, from basic models to advanced models, and products of various prices are available. Choose the most suitable model according to your needs and budget, and don't blindly pursue high-priced products.

Personal preference

Do you have any special requirements for the design and appearance of the walker? Some users may care more about the appearance of the walker. Choosing a walker with a stylish design that suits your personal style is also an important consideration.

Does the walker have wheels or no wheels?

The wheel design of the walker has different functions and effects for different users. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the wheel design can help you better choose the walker that suits you.

Wheeled Walkers

Wheeled walkers are usually equipped with front wheels, which can move smoothly on flat ground. The design of the front wheels can reduce the burden on users when pushing, and is suitable for users who have a certain walking ability but still need additional support. In addition, wheeled walkers are more convenient to use outdoors because the wheels can easily cross small obstacles or uneven ground.

However, wheeled walkers may not be as stable as wheelless walkers, especially when the slope is large or the ground is slippery, users need to be more careful to avoid accidents.

Wheelless Walkers

Wheelless walkers are usually more stable than wheeled walkers because they rely entirely on four support points to contact the ground and provide maximum stability. Wheelless walkers are suitable for users with poor balance or very difficult movements, especially when used indoors, the stability of wheelless walkers is particularly outstanding.

However, wheelless walkers require users to lift the walker and move it forward when moving, which requires certain upper limb strength. If the user is not strong enough, it may be difficult to use a wheelless walker.

What are the types of walkers?

There are many types of walkers available on the market, depending on the user's needs and the environment in which they are used. For example: standard walkers, two-wheel walkers, and four-wheel walkers. Understanding the different types of walkers and their applicable scenarios can help you choose the most suitable product.

Standard Walker

A standard walker is a wheelless walker with four rubber pad support points for maximum stability. Users need to lift the walker and move it forward when using it. It is suitable for users who are extremely inconvenient to move or need maximum support.

Two-wheel Walker

A two-wheel walker is equipped with two wheels in the front and a fixed support point in the back. The design of the front wheels makes it easier to push the walker on flat ground, while the fixed support in the back ensures the necessary stability. A two-wheel walker is suitable for users who need additional support but still have some walking ability.

Four-wheel Walker

A four-wheel walker, commonly known as a Rollator, is equipped with four wheels and a seat with an adjustable height. Users can push the rollator to walk and sit down to rest when needed. Four-wheeled walkers are suitable for users who need to walk for long periods of time or use them outdoors.

How to measure the size of a walker?

Choosing the right size walker is crucial for the user's comfort and safety. Here are a few important steps to measure the size of a walker:

Step 1: Measure your height

First, stand up straight and put on the shoes you usually wear. Measure the height from the ground to the wrist joint, which is usually the best height for the walker handle.

Step 2: Adjust the height of the walker

According to the measured height, adjust the walker handle to the appropriate height. Generally, the handle height of the walker should be at the position where the user's arms naturally hang down when standing, so that the arms are slightly bent when using it and will not feel tired.

Step 3: Test comfort

After adjusting the walker, try walking on a flat surface to feel the comfort of the walker. If you feel uncomfortable or your posture is unnatural, you may need to readjust the height of the walker.

How to use a walker correctly? (Flat road, up stairs, down stairs)

Learning to use a walker correctly can maximize its effectiveness and reduce risks during use. Here are some basic guidelines for using a walker:

Using a walker on flat ground

When using a walker on flat ground, first stand up straight and hold the handles of the walker with both hands. Push the walker forward a small step, then step forward. Keep your steps steady and don't rush to take large steps to avoid losing your balance.

Going up stairs

When using a walker to go up stairs, it is usually recommended to leave the walker at the bottom of the stairs, then hold the handrails and slowly move up. If you need to go up stairs with a walker, you can lift the walker and keep your balance, first step your stronger leg onto the step, and then move the other leg and walker up together.

Going down stairs

The process of going down stairs is similar to going up stairs, making sure to hold the handrails and keep your balance on the walker. Move the walker and your weaker leg to the next step, and then follow with the other leg. Keep your movements slow and steady to avoid losing your balance by rushing down the stairs.

In general, choosing the right walker requires full consideration of your individual needs and physical condition. Before buying, it is recommended to try different types of walkers to find the one that suits you best. By using a walker properly, you can effectively improve your mobility, increase your independence, and gain more freedom and security in your daily life.