Mobility is a definition that changes from person to person.
One person may find they can’t quite climb the same amount of stairs they used to. Others may be frustrated with the lower back pain that’s been building over the years. When you find yourself struggling with your own personal mobility you may be wondering what options are available to help you out. If you worry about vertigo or wish you had just a little more support while moving from place-to-place, an umbrella cane for walking may be just the thing for you. The use of canes in day-to-day life is only increasing from here and there are more than enough unique options on the market to suit your own definition of mobility.
Let’s take a look at what canes for stability can offer you and what shapes, sizes and materials they come in.
Today’s Changing Definition Of Mobility
Mobility is defined by how well you can move from place-to-place without pain or difficulty. The United States is seeing a rapidly aging population, with an estimated 20% of the country going to be over the age of 65 over the next few decades. The definition of mobility is also constantly fluctuating, expanding to include different forms of chronic pain as well as severe mental illness. Today over four and a half million Americans walk with a cane regularly or semi-regularly.
The Risks Of A Fall
A slip and fall can have disastrous consequences when you’re older. It’s estimated one out of four older adults falls every single year in the United States. These aren’t usually outside or at work, either. In fact, over half of all falls take place at home for older adults. Each year sees two million senior citizens visiting the emergency room for the results of falls, with injuries ranging from severe bruising to broken bones and even concussions. The umbrella cane is more than just a portable convenience. It can protect people from serious injury.
Durable Canes
The function of a cane is to support you where your mobility is starting to fail. Custom walking canes can be designed for people depending on their age, height and daily need. Today over 10% of Americans over the age of 65 use a cane on a daily basis and more than one-fifth of cane users cite arthritis as their primary reason for using the tool. Durable canes are made out of sturdy material to hold up over the years, with some variations including the brass cane handle and the extra tall canes.
Decorative Canes
If your mobility issues are less severe and you find yourself using a cane less often, an umbrella cane or horse head cane can give you the best of both worlds. While certainly durable enough for semi-regular use, they prioritize fashion over function and can give your wardrobe a pop of style. The umbrella cane can work both to keep your head clear of rain as well as support moving up and down a flight of stairs. It’s estimated over six million Americans today use assistive devices such as canes and walking sticks.
The Use Of Folding Canes And Functional Canes
Your life shouldn’t be limited by chronic pain or age. When the risk of a fall in the home increases the older you get? An umbrella cane or seat stick can do more than just give you a break. Every 11 seconds an older adult has to be treated in the emergency room for a fall and today the most common contributions to a devastating fall are unsteadiness and dizziness upon standing. A cane can do wonders for returning your life back to you, step-by-step, and can be either customized or swapped out to fit in seamlessly with your wardrobe.
Whether it’s an umbrella cane for Seattle weather or a carbon fiber cane to stick with you in the long haul, a mobility device will make a huge difference.
