There is one thing older people have in common; how the aging process affects our ability to move around. The older we get, the more our bodies change. These changes often cause us to experience mobility problems. Our muscles get weaker, and we develop medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, or chronic pain in our back, knees, and hips. The list can go on.
Sometimes these problems range from mild to severe, but they all cause us to experience mobility issues. If you or your loved one does develop a mobility problem, there are a variety of mobility aids available to help maintain your independence. One of those mobility aids is the upright walker with forearm supports.
What Is An Upright Walker with Forearm Support?
An upright walker with forearm support is a four-wheeled rolling walker with an armrest for the user’s elbows and a handle with hand brakes for their hands. It has a seat for resting like regular rollator walkers and a pouch or storage bag underneath the seat.
The most popular feature of an upright walker is the forearm supports. This feature forces the users to stand upright when walking, taking the pressure off the back, shoulders, wrists, legs, and arms.
Some upright walkers may include a cane holder, cup holder, and folding capabilities for portability and storage. The front wheels swivel, making the upright walker easy to maneuver, while the hand brakes make it easy to control.
Upright walkers with forearm supports and hand brakes are ideal for people living with chronic back pain, arthritis, neurological disorders, and those with slumping or slouching posture.
Top 4 Benefits of Using An Upright Walker with Forearm Support
The benefits of using an upright walker with forearm support are similar to the benefits offered by a regular rollator walker, with just a few exceptions. Below are four benefits that make using an upright walker more practical.
- Improves the user’s posture
Using an upright walker with forearm support enables the user to stand up straight. Standing up straight forces the back, hips, and legs to align in the perfect postural position. When the user places their forearm on the armrest and guides the walker using the handles, it prevents the user from slouching or slumping and evenly distributes the user’s body weight. - Eliminates accidental falls
Standing upright not only improves your posture, it also helps you maintain your balance when walking. Users recovering from a stroke or those with neurological disorders can walk with confidence knowing their balance issue is under control. - Enable users to regain their independence
Upright walkers give users back their freedom and independence. Users can move around easier and do the things they enjoy. They can go to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, and attend social events regularly. - Offers comfort and convenience
Upright rolling walkers have features that offer comfort and convenience. The padded armrest keeps the elbow and forearms comfortable, while the seat allows users to rest in between steps. A large storage bag placed under the seat conveniently enables users to carry their personal items securely.
Three Types of Upright Walkers with Forearm Supports
One of the most popular upright walkers is the Comodita Tipo Stand-Up Rollator Walker. This heavy-duty rollator walker can be used indoors or outdoors and is perfect for people with Parkinson’s disease, chronic back pain, arthritis, and other conditions that cause mobility problems. It enables users to stand upright, use their forearms for support, and easily maneuver the walker with the forearm handles.
Features include a 300-pound weight capacity, padded armrests, a convenient seat with a backrest, a travel bag for easy transport, a removable cup holder, and a cane holder. Other features include 10-inch pneumatic front swivel wheels, 8-inch rear wheels, four safety light reflectors on the front and two at the back, and available in four brilliant colors: metallic red, metallic graphite, metallic orange, and metallic champagne.
The Zler Upright Walker is a more traditional rollator with padded height adjustable armrests, a wide cushioned seat with a backrest, and extra-wide space between the rear wheels. It’s lightweight, foldable, suitable for users from 5 feet to 5 feet, 11 inches tall, and supports up to 300 pounds. The anti-tip over frame is easy to maneuver with the 8-inch solid PVC wheels. Other features include hand brakes that push to lock the rear wheels for seating stability.
Another version of the upright walker with forearm support is the Goplus Foldable Stander Walker. This unique walker features removable forearm supports that allow users to instantly transform it from an upright walker to a regular two-wheeled walker. The Goplus Foldable Two-Wheeled walker takes more effort from the user to operate it, and it doesn’t have hand brakes for stopping. Like the other upright walkers, the Goplus upright walker is height adjustable, lighter, and easily folds for storage.
These are just a few of the best upright walkers on the market to date. Choosing the one to fit your personal needs takes time. Discuss your options with your doctor or physical therapist before making your decision. When it’s decided that an upright walker is the best choice, keep in mind that your height, weight, and strength level matter.
Remember, getting older doesn’t mean you can’t be mobile. With a bit of help from a mobility device such as an upright walker with forearm supports, you can feel confident as you move around.
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