Walkers for adults and seniors

1. Four-wheeled walkers : These walkers are the ideal option for those who want greater independence and freedom of movement . The four-wheeled walker is lighter and allows for greater maneuverability . There are a wide variety of four-wheeled walkers designed to meet different user needs: all-terrain, narrow walkers for home use, 2-in-1 walkers (wheelchairs), walkers for tall people, with or without a seat.
2. Two-wheeled walkers : This type of walker has two wheels in the front and legs with non-slip studs in the back . The studs in the back provide a more secure and firm footing and extra stability for the user, making them the ideal option for those with limited mobility. They can be found with or without a seat , depending on the individual's mobility.
3. Wheelless walkers : also known colloquially as "tacataca" , are walkers composed of four legs , each equipped with non-slip tips to prevent unwanted slipping, as well as padded handles that reduce pressure on the hands. Wheelless walkers are sturdy and lightweight, designed for both indoor and outdoor use, seeking to provide a better quality of life for people with limited mobility.

Remember that the choice of walker type depends on your medical condition, personal preference, and the recommendations of your healthcare professional.

Depending on the activity, injury, or terrain the user will be moving across, there are a wide variety of walkers available to meet all these needs. Below are some examples:

1. Indoor or outdoor walker : When choosing a walker, the first thing you should consider is the use you want to give it and the space you will be moving around in. Based on this, you should choose an outdoor or indoor walker.

- Indoor : For indoor walkers, it's vital to know both the dimensions of the walker and the width of the doors in your home. The walker should be narrow and lightweight. It can have small wheels that allow 360° rotation for better maneuverability or unidirectional wheels like those on two-wheeled walkers.

- Outdoors : Choosing an outdoor walker is a more complex process as a larger number of factors must be considered: size and robustness of the wheels depending on the terrain, folding or fixed if the user uses public transport, with a seat or basket depending on the walking time, etc.

2. Walker with or without a seat : depending on the person's needs, they may choose a walker without a seat, if their injury allows them to move with a certain degree of independence , or with a seat, for those users who do not have to stand for long periods of time and need more frequent rest.

- Walking with a walker without wheels : Starting from a firm stance, place your feet parallel and aligned with your shoulders. Then, lift and move the walker slightly forward. Keeping your eyes straight ahead, the user should take short steps.
- Walking with a wheeled walker: the posture will be similar, but in this case you should push with short steps and not lift to move.
* If you have a weak leg, it will balance first and position itself in the center of the walker, resting it on the ground, followed by the healthy leg.

- Sit in the walker: First, lock the walker's brakes so it's secure. Then, stand with your back to the walker and back up until your legs touch the walker . It's important to rest on the handles and/or the seat surface for stability. Finally, sit down slowly and securely.
- Going up or down curbs: Position the walker as close to the curb as possible, keeping all four legs on the ground . Once you are completely balanced, raise or lower the walker onto the desired surface, then step onto or off the surface with extreme caution, or with the help of a third person if you are more dependent.
Important : If you have a lever to raise steps next to the rear wheels, use it to raise the two front wheels.
- Climbing stairs: It is recommended not to climb stairs if you use a walker. If there is no other solution, contact your therapist so they can show you how to do it correctly and safely.