As people age it often gets harder to move around with freedom and ease. Limited mobility can quickly hold seniors back from getting outside and experiencing the benefits that fresh air, sunlight and even minor exercise can give.

There are many ways to motivate seniors and those with limited mobility to spend more time outside. Though there are a number of things to do that don’t require a large amount of independent movement, introducing the use of a rollator walker can help seniors to maintain their health, independence and mobility.

At Xlent Care Products our entire mission is to help those with mobility challenges – whether seniors or those dealing with or recovering from physical injury – live t their best lives. From all-terrain rollators to exercise equipment to pain relief products, we offer the very best.

Benefits of getting outside

Spending time outdoors has benefits for people of all ages and abilities. Some of the top reasons to encourage seniors to get outdoors more include:

• Increases physical activity and engagement
• Increases energy
• Fights depression
• Boosts memory
• Improves physical health
• Lengthens life 

Ways to Improve Motivation to Get Outside

Though there are many ways that seniors can enjoy the outdoors, having a purpose for getting on their shoes and making their way outside for an hour or 2 can help increase the motivation to get out there.

Take up gardening
Though this activity doesn’t do much for motivation during the colder winter months, now that the weather is warm it’s the perfect time to garden! Whether the goal is to grow vegetables for some fresh dinner accompaniments, to plant some pretty flowers or to tend to aromatic herbs, gardening is a great reason to spend some time outdoors. Gardening also offers an opportunity to maintain some strength and flexibility, as the gardener will often have to bend, reach and lift as they tend to the plants.
Go bird watching
Though some may see bird watching as somewhat of a boring hobby, it’s actually a very relaxing and soothing outdoor activity that is great for mental health. Especially if mobility is low, bird watching offers a great reason to get outside for an afternoon. Those who can move around, whether with or without the help of a rollator walker, can head out on some local trails or to a park, while those who aren’t able to move around too well can find a comfortable chair in their backyard or an easy to access natural area to bird watch sitting down.
Take the dog for a walk
Taking a dog for a walk is the perfect motivation to get outside for some light exercise. Walking is a great way to improve cardio, maintain strength and mobility, and keep those joints moving. Even on those days where you just don’t feel like going for a walk having a dog that needs a bit of exercise is the best motivator there is!
Fruit picking
Heading to a local orchard or berry farm to pick some fruit for an afternoon is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air! Most orchards and farms are situated on fairly flat land with wide walkways between rows, so rollator walker users can also easily take part.
Get creative!
Whether you want to pull out those paints, pick up a marker or pencil or grab your camera, there are many ways that nature can help you get those creative juices flowing. Spending some time outside in your backyard, at a local park or sitting by a nearby river with your artistic medium of choice is a beautiful and satisfying way to get some fresh air. If you aren’t feeling too artistic yourself, you can look around for a local art or farmer’s market to appreciate some of the things that others create. Walking around an outdoor market- with or without the help of a rollator walker– offers a great way to enjoy the outdoors. 

A rollator walker can help

If getting around without assistance is starting to get difficult, introducing a rollator walker to the routine can be a great idea. Rollator walkers are easy to use and allow the user to maintain their independence and freedom for much longer than if they choose to avoid using a walker. A rollator walker comes fitted with large wheels on all 4 legs, hand brakes, a built-in seat and adjustable height, making it a much more customizable choice than a standard walker. Rollator walkers typically allow the user to move around in tight spaces and on rougher terrain, meaning that the user will be able to get around in a variety of situations that they may have otherwise avoided.

Benefits of a rollator walker:

• Go longer distances without tiring as quickly
• They offer more support
• Rollators are easy to use and get accustomed to
• They can navigate most kinds of terrain
• There is a built-in seat for resting as needed
• You’ll be able to go many places you couldn’t before
• Getting regular activity with the help of a rollator improves fitness levels 

Getting outside is good for health

Whether walking independently or using a rollator walker to get around, taking time each day to get outside is good for everyone’s health.

As your overall ability to move around freely and easily decreases over time, it’s only natural that your physical health might feel the effects. Movement is such a big part of maintaining overall health, so it’s something you want to take steps to maintain for as long as possible.

Using a rollator walker can help keep you moving by giving you the tool you need to help keep your balance with somewhere to rest when you need it and a solid frame to help keep you upright.

While using a rollator walker can feel intimidating and unnecessary, once you’ve included it in your daily life, you’ll likely be surprised at how great of a support tool it actually is!

Ways a Rollator Walker can Improve Health

The benefits of using a rollator walker are far reaching and will affect many parts of your life. Often your overall health will be improved just by using a rollator walker! There are a few main ways that a rollator walker can help improve your health.

Did you know? At Xlent Care, our rollators not only help you move around, you can go further – upright – across all terrains!

It’s easier to move around

When you are struggling to move around in your day to day life, whether due to an injury, balance issue or something else, it can feel easier to just restrict your activity level as a whole. However, when you are less active each day your overall health can take a hit as well. Regular movement and exercise can help you maintain heart health, muscle health and manage your weight, so it’s important to maintain even light activity levels throughout each day. Adding a rollator walker to your daily routine will help you stay committed to moving regularly. 

You can move on a variety of terrain

Though a standard walker may feel like the natural choice when entering the world of walkers, it can still lead to a fair amount of restriction. Walkers without wheels require a fair amount of upper body strength to use, especially when not on smooth terrain. A rollator walker can help you to take on many different kinds of terrain like grassy fields, rocky paths and even sand. There some models of rollator walkers that are specifically designed to work best with on a variety of different terrains so if you think you might benefit from the ability to move around in several different situations, look for a rollator that offers this. 

Mobility increases your ability to exercise

When it is easier to move around thanks to your rollator walker you will naturally maintain a higher level of activity each day. Regardless of what kind of physical activity you are doing, daily movement is an important part of staying healthy. Exercise, whether it’s going for a walk outside, heading to the gym or even just walking around your house a few times a day, has a positive effect on many aspects of your life.  Freedom of mobility is good for your mental health Maintaining your independence and freedom to move around throughout the day plays a significant role in mental health. When you are unable to freely get around whenever you want your mental health might take a hit. It’s easy to get in your head and feel held back when your freedom decreases, so the rollator walker is a great way to squash those concerns and continue living an active lifestyle.

Movement improves heart health

When you move around every day, whether just around your house or by getting outside and going places, your heart is forced to work a bit harder than if you are just sitting down. Heart health is an important thing to work on maintaining and the best way to do that is by keeping moving. When getting around becomes difficult using a rollator walker can help you stay active throughout the day. Since rollators often have a built-in seat and solid handlebars you are still able to rest as needed, giving your heart and lungs and chance to take a break while still getting some light exercise.

Rollator walkers help you thrive in good health

Regardless of why you are finding yourself needing to use a walker, a rollator walker can help to improve many aspects of your overall health. Being independent and getting out of the house without the assistance of someone else is a freeing experience and one that can help improve your mental health. Feeling stuck at home and struggling to move about freely can be frustrating for anyone to experience.

Ultimately, using a rollator walker will improve many aspects of daily life and lead to overall greater health and happiness.

When it comes time to choose a walker it can be overwhelming to sort through all the options available to you. Once you have determined what your needs actually are and whether you’re looking for a standard walker or a rollator walker, you can start looking at what features are going to be at the top of your list.

Though walkers can come with a number of different features, a few of the most common and most important ones are the ability to fold up, the presence of a seat and a lightweight frame. These features can seem fairly insignificant but they are actually things that you will be thankful you included in your search.

What is a Rollator Walker?

A rollator walker is one that has wheels on each leg rather than just the simple leg. These walkers can offer a greater ease of mobility than standard walkers thanks to both the wheels and their other many features. Especially if a user is prone to movement on uneven ground, a rollator walker can be much more suited to those with an active lifestyle.

Why do I need a Rollator Walker?

Though the decision to use a walker is one you want to discuss with your doctor, there are a few signs you might be ready to have that talk.

• Feeling dizzy or off balance when you walk
• Needing to sit often when walking
• Feeling like a cane doesn’t give enough support
• Having difficulty lifting a cane or standard walker

Benefits of a Lightweight Rollator Walker with a Seat

When you reach the point of needing a walker, whether to recover from surgery or to adapt to new lifestyle restrictions, it can be intimidating to include this in your everyday life. While you might feel like you are losing some of your independence and freedom, a rollator walker with the right features can actually help you maintain these.

Choosing a rollator walker instead of a standard walker comes with quite a few benefits already, but there are a few reasons why these features will make such a difference in your life.

Easy to move around with them Lightweight walkers are easier to maneuver through doorways, down stairs and along unstable ground thanks to their reduced weight. The wheels on a rollator walker allow for ease of movement both indoors and outdoors. When navigating over rough terrain the wheels of a rollator walker make it much easier to get around on your own.
Seats provide essential resting capability An individual using a rollator walker might have need for the ability to take a rest as they move around each day. The built-in seat on a rollator walker makes this easy to do. Anytime a break from walking is needed, it’s easy to just stop and have a seat rather than having to look for somewhere to sit.
Folding ability makes for easy transportation A rollator walker that can fold up is much easier to transport as needed. When you can easily fold up the walker and fit it in your trunk or backseat, you are more likely to maintain your independence and mobility.
A lightweight frame offers more portability If the frame is heavy it is much harder to place in your trunk or lift up stairs. A lightweight frame is much easier to lift off the ground to move around without assistance.
Foldable walkers are easy to store A foldable walker is much easier to store, especially if your space is limited. Whether you need to fold it up after returning home or like to get it out of the way when dining out, a foldable rollator is much easier to find room for.

A Walker with a Seat Increases Independence

Though it may feel like accepting the support of a rollator walker is taking away from your independence and ability to move around freely, they can actually have the opposite effect. If you are having difficulty getting around on your own and feeling like you might need to take a step back from your busy lifestyle, a rollator walker might be just what you need.

A lightweight rollator walker that can fold easily and has an attached seat can actually increase your mobility. When you have the support that you need as you navigate all kinds of terrain and situations, you’ll no doubt feel more comfortable in your day-to-day life.

Rollator walkers have many features that make them a great choice for a wide variety of needs. Whether you have a temporary injury and need some support as you heal or are needing the added support to maintain your independence as you age, a rollator walker can be just the answer for you.

Once you’ve decided that a rollator walker is a good addition to your life, the next step is making sure that the one you choose fits you properly so that it can offer maximum benefit. There are several features of a rollator walker, and many parts are adjustable so ensuring that each is adjusted properly is key.

COMMON FEATURES OF A ROLLATOR WALKER

Did you know?  Volaris walkers are premium rollators that have all the features built into a smooth-riding, adjustable frame that let’s users go further – in comfort!

Accessories Available

Rain or shine, on the go or using an oxygen tank – your rollator walker should not hold you back. The limits of your mobility will ultimately limit how far you go – and your freedom. Accessories that improve utility

Seat features

Padding

Not all seats are created equal so looking at the quality and height of the seat padding is a good move before purchasing. If you will be using the seat often, you’ll want one that is made with good padding or that has a seat molded for comfort.  

Seat Height

When shopping for a rollator walker the height of the seat needs to be a consideration. Higher seats are often easier to get out of, so if this is needed you should pay special attention to the specifications of each walker. On the flip side, a lower seat can help provide more balance and stability to the user when they are seated. A seat height of 20” is most common and usually works for most users. If your needs might change over time, look for a rollator with an adjustable seat height.

Seat Size

Seat widths do vary so measuring before purchasing is a good idea. Seats on a standard adult rollator typically range from 13” to 18” and can increase when looking at heavy duty and bariatric models.

Walker Size

The height of the walker is something that can usually be adjusted but you still need to consider the base height before you buy. If you are very tall or short you might need to choose a frame that fits your height. A rollator walker should help you to stand as tall as possible without straining your hands, wrists, shoulders or neck.

The width of your walker is also something to consider. While most rollator walkers won’t have an issue getting through doorways and down hallways, you do have to ensure that the frame is wide enough for your step. You should be able to stand between the handles and comfortably take steps forward without hitting the wheels or legs.

Measuring Handle Height

How to measure the handle height of your rollator walker:

1. Stand straight with shoes on. Wear shoes similar to what you’ll most commonly wear when using your walker.
2. Relax your arms and let them hang at your sides
3. Have a friend or family member measure from the bend of your wrist to the floor. This measurement is your handle height

When choosing a rollator walker based on height choose one that adjusts at least one inch in either direction from your measurement so that you can adjust it as needed when you use it.

Wheel Size

When buying your rollator walker you should consider the main function of it. Will it primarily help you get around your home and other indoor situations? Or will you be using it to help you get around outside and on rougher terrain than indoors? The answer to this will help you decide between 6” wheels or 8” wheels. The larger wheels are going to be much better suited for a user that will be using their walker outside of their home.

Good Handles

Since you will be holding the handles quite a bit it is important that they be both comfortable and easy to function. A rollator walkers’ brakes are hand operated, so you have to be sure that you can easily squeeze them as needed.

There’s Many Rollator Features to Consider

When shopping for a rollator walker there are many features to consider. Once you have chosen which one has the right features for your needs you will be thankful you made the purchase! The ability to move around at will, without having to worry about your balance or losing your breath, will help you maintain independence and stay active for longer than if you avoid it.

Rollator walkers have many features that make them a great choice for a wide variety of needs. Whether you have a temporary injury and need some support as you heal or are needing the added support to maintain your independence as you age, a rollator walker can be just the answer for you.

Once you’ve decided that a rollator walker is a good addition to your life, the next step is making sure that the one you choose fits you properly so that it can offer maximum benefit. There are several features of a rollator walker, and many parts are adjustable so ensuring that each is adjusted properly is key.

Common features of a rollator walker

Did you know? Volaris walkers are premium rollators that have all the features built into a smooth-riding, adjustable frame that let’s users go further – in comfort!

Seat features

Padding

Not all seats are created equal so looking at the quality and height of the seat padding is a good move before purchasing. If you will be using the seat often, you’ll want one that is made with good padding or that has a seat molded for comfort.  

Seat Height

When shopping for a rollator walker the height of the seat needs to be a consideration. Higher seats are often easier to get out of, so if this is needed you should pay special attention to the specifications of each walker. On the flip side, a lower seat can help provide more balance and stability to the user when they are seated. A seat height of 20” is most common and usually works for most users. If your needs might change over time, look for a rollator with an adjustable seat height.

Seat Size

Seat widths do vary so measuring before purchasing is a good idea. Seats on a standard adult rollator typically range from 13” to 18” and can increase when looking at heavy duty and bariatric models. 

Walker Size

The height of the walker is something that can usually be adjusted but you still need to consider the base height before you buy. If you are very tall or short you might need to choose a frame that fits your height. A rollator walker should help you to stand as tall as possible without straining your hands, wrists, shoulders or neck.

The width of your walker is also something to consider. While most rollator walkers won’t have an issue getting through doorways and down hallways, you do have to ensure that the frame is wide enough for your step. You should be able to stand between the handles and comfortably take steps forward without hitting the wheels or legs.

Measuring Handle Height

How to measure the handle height of your rollator walker:

1. Stand straight with shoes on. Wear shoes similar to what you’ll most commonly wear when using your walker.
2. Relax your arms and let them hang at your sides
3. Have a friend or family member measure from the bend of your wrist to the floor. This measurement is your handle height

When choosing a rollator walker based on height choose one that adjusts at least one inch in either direction from your measurement so that you can adjust it as needed when you use it.

Wheel Size

When buying your rollator walker you should consider the main function of it. Will it primarily help you get around your home and other indoor situations? Or will you be using it to help you get around outside and on rougher terrain than indoors? The answer to this will help you decide between 6” wheels or 8” wheels. The larger wheels are going to be much better suited for a user that will be using their walker outside of their home.

Good Handles

Since you will be holding the handles quite a bit it is important that they be both comfortable and easy to function. A rollator walkers’ brakes are hand operated, so you have to be sure that you can easily squeeze them as needed.

There’s Many Rollator Features to Consider

When shopping for a rollator walker there are many features to consider. Once you have chosen which one has the right features for your needs you will be thankful you made the purchase! The ability to move around at will, without having to worry about your balance or losing your breath, will help you maintain independence and stay active for longer than if you avoid it.