As people enter their senior years it is not uncommon for their mental health to make a shift. This is often a period filled with significant changes and transitions, which can all play a role in the presence of anxiety and depression. One of the top ways to help relieve some of the effects of these mental health concerns is to increase mobility. Making an effort to get moving each day can help seniors to maintain their mental health and combat some of the negative effects that they may be experiencing.

Causes of depression and anxiety in older adults

There are a number of different factors that can lead to depression and anxiety in seniors. With so many changes occurring during this period of life, being aware of some of these initial triggers can help them to stay ahead of the game and recognize some warning signs.

• Health problems such as illness, disability, pain, surgery and cognitive decline
• Medical conditions like stroke, cancer, diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
• Recent deaths of friends, family members, a spouse or pets
• Reduced sense of purpose, for example when they retire or if health issues create physical limitations on activities they previously enjoyed
• Isolation and loneliness due to a reduced ability to take themselves out of the house
• Side effects of medication

Positive effects of improved mobility

There are many positive effects to improving mobility, and many will play a role in reducing the effects of anxiety and depression. Some of the top benefits include:

• Reduced loneliness and increased socialization
• Increased confidence
• Endorphins that come from exercise are natural mood boosters to help combat depression
• Helps them sleep better
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Increased ability to age in place

Top ways to improve mobility

There are a number of activities that can help seniors get moving each day. While some seniors may struggle with a significant level of activity, the positive effects can often be experienced with just a few minutes of increased activity each day. Even seniors who aren’t able to stand or walk unassisted can benefit from a variety of seated exercises.

Some top ways that seniors can incorporate movement into each day include:

• Park a bit further from the store in order to have a longer walk to the door. Parking next to the cart return allows them to take a cart right away if they need a bit of support while walking into and around the store.
• Go for a walk around the block. Bringing a rollator walker or cane will help ensure that they can stop and rest as needed, and have the support they need to walk safely.
• Do chair workouts. Activities like yoga, weightlifting and light cardio can be done from a chair, which will benefit those who aren’t able to stand or walk for lengths of time.
• Dance. Whether it’s to music in the kitchen or in an organized dance class, dancing can help motivate seniors to have fun while they increase their mobility.
• Take the stairs. When faced with the option, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator if it’s an activity that can be undertaken safely.
• Go swimming. Doing water aerobics or going for a leisurely swim is a great low impact workout, especially for those who may struggle to perform similar exercises outside of water.

Increase mobility with the help of a rollator walker

Many seniors need physical support in order to improve their mobility, and a rollator walker is the perfect solution. The support that a rollator walker offers to a user will allow them to improve their mobility in a safe and supported way. Incorporating physical activity into a daily routine can be as simple as going for a walk with a friend or doing some housework or gardening. The benefits that come with increased mobility will have a positive effect on anyone struggling with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

When it comes time to incorporate a mobility aid into day-to-day life, it can be a difficult transition. Adopting a mobility aid like a cane or a rollator walker can cause some people to feel like they’re giving in to weakness, however there are many benefits to making the move. It can be tempting to forgo a walker and just use a cane, however for many people a cane just doesn’t offer enough support. It is important to choose the right kind of mobility aid for your needs as the wrong choice can actually be a detriment to mobility.

When is a cane not enough of a mobility aid?

A cane is only able to provide a minimum amount of support. If you only need help maintaining your balance, a cane might be the right solution. However, if you are unsteady on your feet, need to rest often or need more stability to move around, a rollator walker is likely a better solution.

Top reasons someone might need a walker

There are many reasons that someone might need to upgrade from using a cane to using a walker, including:

• Balance issues that require more support than a cane can offer
• A fear of falling
• Overall physical weakness
• A need to sit down and rest while walking, especially if the need hits suddenly or often
• Recovering from an injury or surgery
• Issues with heart health or breathing
• Arthritis, weakness or pain in lower bones or joints
• Get tired easily

Many benefits to using a rollator walker

Although it might take some getting used to, making the switch sooner rather than later can have a number of positive affects on a person and their mobility and overall health.

Improved safety – Whether you’re walking around your home, around the neighbourhood, along a path with a friend or through a grocery store, a rollator walker is going make the journey safer. The increased stability that a walker offers can allow for a safer walk regardless of the setting.

Easier to use than a cane – A cane needs to be continuously held or leaned against something when not in use and can be cumbersome to store when out of the house. A rollator walker will stand on its own making it easier to incorporate into daily activities. The foldable frame also makes it easy to transport and store throughout the day.

Many built-in features – A rollator walker comes equipped with hand brakes allowing the user to stop safely anytime they need to. The large wheels make it easy to traverse rough terrain, a built-in seat allows for breaks as needed and various add-on accessories can offer quite a bit of customizability. You can even add a backrest to premium rollators!

Increased ability to walk distances – One of the biggest barriers to walking longer distances is how quickly you get tired. However, using a rollator walker can help provide support and take some of the pressure off your body, allowing you to walk further.

The ability to rest – The built-in seat that comes with a rollator walker allows users to pause and take a break any time they need to.

Increases confidence – Using a rollator walker can help improve the confidence of the person using it. When they have a tool that will improve mobility while being safe and comfortable, it’s easier to want to stay active.

Maintaining mobility is essential to greater health

Using a rollator walker or a cane can help you maintain mobility, which will lead to a number of health benefits. Engaging in some level of physical activity each day can help maintain or improve heart health, respiratory function and overall mobility as you recover or age. Aging in place is something that many adults hope to do, and regular physical activity can help make this a more likely possibility. Using a rollator walker instead of a cane can help users ensure that they are properly supported in their day-to-day movements, and create a safer scenario for themselves.

The transition into using a rollator walker can be a difficult process for many seniors. Incorporating an unusual tool into their day to day lives can be an uncomfortable transition. However, when they do start using one, they will likely notice a number of benefits to their physical and mental health. A rollator walker that includes a variety of different features and accessories can feel more appealing to a senior who is considering whether to start using one.

Volaris All-Terrain Rollator walkers were named “best” by Walker for Seniors. Tech-enhanced Life says “The Volaris S7 SMART  rollator is a classy-looking, top-quality rollator (or walker)….suitable for ‘all terrain’.”

Benefits of using a rollator walker

There are many reasons why a senior will benefit from using a rollator walker each day. While it may be tough to convince them that they should start using one, once they do, they are sure to appreciate the support that it offers.

• Helps seniors stay active
• Keeps their heart strong
• Helps improve socialization
• Wheels make it easy to use
• Encourages seniors to maintain independence
• Allows seniors to age in place more easily
• Gives confidence in their ability to move around
• Provides support on a variety of different terrains

Top rollator features for seniors

The features included in a rollator walker can vary from one model to the next, however many rollator walkers will have some key features in common that make them appealing to most seniors. Looking for a rollator with some or all of these features can help make the transition to using a walker a bit easier.

Lightweight for easy transport

Seniors will be more likely to use a rollator walker that is fairly lightweight and easy to move around. Whether they will need to move their walker up and down a stair or two, or be able to pack it into a vehicle, a lighter rollator will be much easier to use.

Agility, especially in small spaces

One of the biggest benefits to a rollator walker compared to a traditional one is the ease with which it can be moved around both inside and outside of the home. Many seniors live in small homes, apartments and care homes so a rollator that can maneuver through narrow hallways and around tight corners will be much easier to use each day.

All-terrain capability

When seniors are able to use their rollator on a wide variety of terrain, they are more likely to incorporate it into their day to day lives. Whether they are walking on grassy fields, rocky or bumpy pathways or sandy ground, a walker with wide, rubber tires and an X-frame that absorbs the shocks will be beneficial.

Incorporates a seat for resting as needed

One of the significant reasons for a senior to start using a rollator walker is if they find they need to take breaks while they are walking. A built-in seat is a very beneficial and necessary accessory for a rollator walker. With a seat that comes with them everywhere they go, a senior is able to pause and rest any time they want.

Ample accessories available

Accessories like a water bottle holder, a handlebar bag, cane and umbrella and holder, a food tray and an Oxygen tank holder all make life easier for anyone using a rollator walker. The ability to easily carry the things they need throughout the day will help most seniors feel more confident in using a rollator walker to help support their movement.

Folds up easily

Most seniors will look for a rollator walker that can easily fold up for storage or transportation. The ability to make their walker smaller will be helpful for those living in small spaces like an apartment or a senior’s residence. For seniors that enjoy getting out of their home, a rollator that can fold up makes it much easier to pop in the car or take onto public transportation.

Maintaining mobility is essential for health

Getting active every day is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and has a number of positive effects on a person’s health, especially for a senior.  Physical activity is a great way to maintain a healthy heart, lungs and body while encouraging them to continue to explore their world. The continued independence that comes with being able to move around freely, even if they need the support of a rollator walker, will help a senior to better cope with the many changes they’re experiencing in their life.

When you start thinking about using a rollator walker to support your mobility, one of the biggest concerns most people have is whether their new walker will be too cumbersome to actually use. Having this extra piece of equipment cluttering up your home can feel irritating and have you avoiding it altogether, especially if you live in a small apartment. However, if you find the right size rollator for your needs, it can be a very positive addition to your life.

Signs it may be time to start using a mobility aid

There are a number of different signs that you might want to consider incorporating a mobility aid like a rollator walker into your daily routine. Whether you just use it inside your home for those moments when you need a bit of support or you bring it on outings each day, a rollator walker can be quite a help for many reasons:

• You get tired when walking distances
• You feel off balance or dizzy at times
• You’re recovering from an injury or surgery
• You feel out of breath before long
• You fall sometimes or often, or are afraid that you will
• You have pain or discomfort when you walk
• Your legs aren’t able to bear the full weight of your body
• You have a condition that affects your coordination, balance or muscles like arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease
• You struggle to walk unsupported and carry things at the same time.

Top features that make a rollator good for small apartments

While there are many features that make a rollator walker a great choice, there are a few things to look for when shopping for one that will suit a small apartment or condo. These specific features will help ensure that you’ll be able to use your rollator whenever you need to, without worrying whether it will be too big for your space.

Foldable X Frame – A compact rollator walker with a foldable frame will make it much easier to store the walker when you’re not using it. Small homes rarely have much storage space, so a foldable frame that takes up little space is ideal. The X frame allows a folded-up rollator walker to stand on its own even when folded, making it very easy to just roll it to the side when you’re not using it.

Good wheels – In an apartment or condo, with less space to maneuver around, it’s important that your rollator doesn’t need much space to turn. Good wheels will help you turn around corners and maneuver through tight spaces quite easily.

Compact size – A narrow walker will fit through doorways and around furniture much easier than a standard size one.

Smooth ride – Cushioned rubber tires will roll over a variety of flooring styles with ease, making your movements around your home comfortable and smooth.

Lightweight construction – Although most apartments and condos don’t have many stairs, for those that do a lightweight rollator walker is an essential part of moving around with ease. Having to lift a heavy walker up or down even one stair can be prohibitive for some users, so a lightweight frame is a must.

A built-in seat – One of the most important features of any rollator walker is its built-in seat. A significant reason that one might start using a rollator walker is that they need the ability to sit down at times, even in their own home. Keeping a rollator nearby when working in the kitchen or using the washroom can help them to feel confident that they have the support available anytime it’s needed.

A compact rollator walker will give you freedom

When moving around without support starts to feel difficult, incorporating a rollator walker might be the perfect solution. A rollator walker can help make moving around feel easy and enjoyable. Maintaining mobility is an important aspect of most people’s lives. Not only does it help them maintain their independence, regular movement has many significant mental and physical health benefits as well.

Using a rollator walker might feel prohibitive and cumbersome at first but once you get used to using it, you’ll be so thankful you were open to the idea! Compact rollator walkers are very versatile and will be easy to use in any small home.

When your ability to move around freely starts to decline and you realize that you’re on your way to needing to use a cane or rollator walker, it’s easy to think that your days of visiting the beach are over. But there is good news for beach lovers! There are rollator walkers that are designed to include features that will make hitting the beach and putting your toes in the sand possible for many years to come. There are many positive effects that a vacation or daytrip to the beach can have on a person of any age, especially those who may find their freedom feeling reduced. What better way to embrace life, feel free and get some physical activity than with a day at the beach!

Keep active for prolonged mobility

A key to living well is getting outdoors! If you’ve avoided walks on the beach, or thought you couldn’t walk along the beach due to mobility challenges, then Volaris All-Terrain Rollators are ready to meet that challenge. Get back to the beach with our unique, all-terrain rollator designs!

Although it may feel better to reduce activity levels when mobility issues start to present themselves, maintaining a level of physical activity is often beneficial. Continued movement can help a person to maintain their freedom and mobility for much longer than if they reduce their movement when things get difficult. Along with mobility benefits, there are a number of physical and mental benefits to regular physical activity as well.

Visiting the beach has many benefits

Spending time at the beach is a great way to incorporate physical activity into your life. The fresh air, cool breeze and warm sun can have some significant physical and mental health benefits on those who spend time enjoying them. Whether you just hop out of the car and walk to your favourite beach chair or opt for a stroll along the water, being at the beach is the perfect way to take a break and enjoy life.

An increasing number of beaches are incorporating features that make moving through the sand and getting down to the water much more accessible to people with limited mobility. Ramps for wheelchairs can allow people to bring their own mobility aids to the beach, while some facilities may rent wheelchairs with oversized wheels that are designed to float in the water and roll across sand easily.

Few rollator walkers are designed for hitting the beach

While a standard rollator walker might struggle on the sandy, rugged terrain found at the beach, there are some models that include features that make visiting the beach easy. If you know that going to the beach is a priority, look for these features on a rollator walker:

Large, wide wheels – The larger the wheel, the easier it will move across rugged terrain like sand or stones. A rollator walker with large wheels will be easier to push across a sandy beach than one that has small wheels.

Soft rubber tires – Tires that have some give to them will offer more padding and compression when going over uneven ground. This will allow the walker to roll through sand nicely, without putting stress on a user’s arms and upper body.

Suspension frame – A frame that will absorb some of the impact involved with rolling it on rough terrain can make the rollator easier to control, more comfortable to hold on to and gentler on the user. The flex frame of the Volaris Patrol rollator walker is designed to help keep all four wheels on the ground, creating an easy experience for anyone using it.

Lightweight construction – When pushing a rollator walker over uneven terrain like sand, the more lightweight it is the easier it will be to push. The last thing someone with balance issues needs is to struggle with their too-heavy walker when trying to enjoy some time at the beach.

The Patrol model is the ideal solution

While several rollator walkers might offer a positive experience to the user, the Patrol model by Volaris is ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy some freedom at the beach. The included features like the built-in seat, easy to grip hand brakes, large rubber tires and lightweight suspension frame make it the perfect mobility aid for a day at the beach.

The freedom gained from choosing a rollator walker that suits an individual’s specific needs is invaluable for anyone looking to maintain a high quality of life. When a person is able to participate in activities they enjoy like a fun day at the beach, they are more likely to be happy with their life.