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.

One common concern as people age is that they’ll struggle to maintain their mobility and independence, and that they might have to adopt a mobility aid to do so. Having to accept the support offered by a cane or rollator walker is often thought of as a sign of weakness or concession, so aging people might be inclined to push them away at first.

However, using a mobility aid can actually help a person to stay mobile and maintain their health as they age. Regular physical activity has significant benefits for people of all ages, especially those who are reaching senior citizen status. Whether the goal is to simply move around the home or to be able to get outside for walks, regular movement is the key to maintaining mobility and independence.

Mobility is the key to independence

At Xlent Care Products, we’re all about helping clients achieve greater mobility – despite age or mobility restrictions. Our all-terrain, “go everywhere” rollators have provided users levels of freedom they previously thought unimaginable. Believe it – then do it!

Adults who struggle to move around freely are at risk for a number of different health issues as well as the potential that they will be unable to live by themselves. The ability to move around is an essential one when it comes to taking care of yourself. If someone is unable to get themselves to the bathroom as needed or navigate around their kitchen for meals, it likely isn’t safe for them to be living alone.

Making an effort to maintain or improve mobility as they age is going to be a key factor in maintaining freedom and independence. Adults who don’t maintain their mobility are at a greater risk of developing diseases and disabilities that may lead to hospitalization, and tend to have a poorer quality of life overall.

Mobility improves overall health

While it’s common for people to slow down and become less active with age, there are many benefits to maintaining as much activity as one can handle each day. A routine that incorporates and promotes mobility has been shown to improve overall health in many ways, including:

• Naturally boosts your energy by releasing endorphins
• Maintains and improves the strength of your heart and improves blood pressure
• Helps you to manage symptoms of illness or pain
• Maintains and improves metabolism, leading to the maintenance of a healthy weight
• Improves immune system and digestive function
• Promotes better bone density
• Lowers the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers
• Increases flexibility, coordination and balance, reducing the risk of falls
• Improves posture, leading to a possible reduction in body pain and aches
• Improves quality of sleep
• Encourages brain health including prevention of memory loss, dementia and other signs of cognitive decline

Spending time outdoors is good for your mental health

Aging can bring along with it a whole host of stressors and concerns, so there is significant value in seeking out ways to destress and boost moods. One easy step towards positive mental health is to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a walk alone or with friends, sitting on a park bench and enjoying the sights or taking yoga in a local park, any time spent outside has been shown to have significant benefits on both mental and physical health.

The endorphins released during exercise help to reduce feelings of depression, stress, anxiety and sadness and can be felt almost immediately upon heading outdoors. This can translate into a reduction of insomnia, headaches, indigestion and muscle tension.

Mobility aids make physical activity easier

Although maintaining a regular schedule of physical activity can feel intimidating or pointless many days, using a mobility aid like a rollator walker or a cane can make all the difference. Further, accessories for rollators – from water bottle to oxygen tank holders can further assist range. Knowing that they have support right in the palm of their hand can help ward off fears and concerns. A rollator walker is the perfect option for someone that struggles to stay active. The built-in seat offers the comfort of being able to sit for a break at a moment’s notice, while the hand brakes ensure that the walker won’t take on a mind of its own.

Although growing older can be a stressful time both physically and mentally, making the time for some exercise, especially outdoors, can help make the transition a smoother one for everyone involved. Encouraging the use of a rollator walker can help a senior to feel confident and motivated to maintain a regular activity schedule, and to get outside as often as they can.

When you start using a rollator it can be intimidating to incorporate it into day-to-day life. While it may feel cumbersome and hard to get used to, a rollator walker can help you maintain your mobility. A properly fit rollator will allow you to move around much easier, and feel safe and supported while you do. There are a number of accessories that can make using a rollator even easier for you, too!

Top accessories that increase mobility with rollator walkers

Simply using a rollator walker can help improve mobility thanks to the increased support that it provides, however there are a number of different accessories that can help make life even easier for someone using one.

An umbrella

An umbrella that attaches to the frame of a rollator walker can help weather-related issues from standing in your way. Whether you’re trying to keep out the sun or to protect yourself on a rainy day, an umbrella is a tool that can help you stay motivated to get active each day.

An oxygen tank holder

For those that need to bring an oxygen tank with them, an oxygen tank holder on your rollator walker can help make the task of maintaining mobility much easier. An oxygen tank holder will keep the tank safe, secure and close at hand, while allowing you the freedom to move around with your rollator.

A back rest

One significant perk to using a rollator walker is the built-in seat that comes with it. However, for some users, a seat alone isn’t quite enough support when it’s time for a rest. An added back rest can help ensure that you can take a comfortable seat any time you need to. A backrest will help a user feel steadier and stronger when they do decide that it’s time for a rest.

A cane holder

While a rollator walker is often the most supportive way to get around, there’s no denying that there are times where it is just too big and cumbersome to do the job. Having your cane close at hand even when using your walker will help you maintain mobility and not shy away from moving around in tighter areas. A cane holder will keep your cane securely attached to your rollator, ready for whenever you need to swap it out.

A storage bag or basket

A storage bag that attaches to the front of your rollator frame can help keep your hands free as you move around. This allows you to safely hold onto your handlebars and hand brakes, while still carrying items that you need with you.

A platform attachment

For rollator users that need a bit more upright support, a platform attachment is the perfect accessory. The extension arm attaches to the rollator frame and offers the user forearm support for one or both arms. This is particularly beneficial for anyone needing a push towards a more upright posture, or for anyone recovering from surgery or an injury.

A cupholder

Having a bottle of water close at hand can be helpful, especially if you are not accustomed to regular physical activity. With a dedicated holder for it on your rollator you will be more likely to remember to bring it with you throughout the day.

Physical mobility has many benefits

Although many people who use a rollator walker may struggle to maintain and improve their mobility, the benefits they’ll experience are worth the effort. Increased physical mobility can help reduce blood pressure, maintain body weight, improve posture and even improve mental health. These benefits mean that there is significant reason to incorporate movement into daily life. Whether you are able to meet with friends or family to go for a walk outside or are just looking to continue getting around your home independently, using a rollator walker and its accessories can make things much easier for you.

Accessories can make all the difference

Having the right accessories for your needs as a rollator walker user can make all the difference when it comes to the ability to maintain mobility. Tools like the ones mentioned here can help keep you safe and stable while you move around each day, even if you’re dealing with struggles like injury, disease, or age-related issues like poor balance and coordination.

Balance issues can be quite the hinderance to day to day living. They can make even the simplest tasks like moving around the kitchen, getting the mail and watering plants feel difficult. Introducing a rollator walker to the mix can help a person to move around with much more ease and support which can help them maintain their independence and mobility, leading to an overall healthier life.

Can a rollator walker help with balance issues?

All adults with balance issues can see benefits by participating in regular fitness exercises as prescribed by experts. Also, using a rollator walker means you don’t lose the freedom to go wherever you want to go. All-terrain rollators are “the” way to go!

Using a rollator walker as part of a daily routine can help a person to maintain their independence despite having issues with their balance. It can be quite intimidating to maintain movement with the looming threat of stumbling or falling so the ability to hold onto sturdy handles and use handbrakes as needed will help a person to stay upright even when feeling unsteady on their feet.

What causes poor balance

There are many situations and conditions that can lead to a reduction in one’s ability to maintain their balance without assistance. Although these conditions can occur in people of any age, it’s more common to experience them through age or onset of medical conditions like Parkinson’s, MS or Alzheimer’s.

While this isn’t a complete list, here are a few common causes of poor balance:

• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• High or low blood pressure
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Arthritis
• Certain medications
• Back issues
• Inner ear problems or infection
• Weakened muscles, especially those in the legs or back
• Broken or healing bones, such as after a hip or knee replacement

Signs it’s time for a rollator walker

Making the decision to start using a cane or rollator walker can be a tough one. Many may think that accepting support may be a sign of weakness or that they’re giving up their independence, however that’s not the case at all. Using a mobility aid can actually help them to stay safe and keep active for much longer than if they refuse the support.

Though there are many reasons a person might decide it’s time to start using a mobility aid like a cane or a walker, there are a few specific signs to keep an eye out for.

Your legs don’t support you

Whether you’re dealing with a broken bone, a wound on your feet or legs, arthritis or are recovering from a surgery like a hip or knee replacement, your legs may struggle to support you. A rollator walker can help provide stability and balance support when your legs aren’t fully able to do their job on their own.

Your balance isn’t very good

Standing and walking without assistance can become more difficult as you age. If you’re finding that your balance isn’t what it used to be and that walking from one spot to the next is becoming more of a struggle, a rollator walker can help.

You get tired easily

The built-in seat that comes standard on most rollator walkers will allow users to take breaks whenever they need it, without having to search for a bench or chair.

You’ve fallen before

After a fall it can be intimidating to continue to move around freely. Using a rollator walker for support can improve a user’s confidence and overall ability to get around, without the fear of falling.

You want to maintain independence

When your balance starts becoming an issue, it can be hard to continue with the things you used to be able to do on your own. Whether it’s walking from the couch to the bathroom, going for a walk around your neighbourhood or going to the store for groceries, using a rollator walker can help you maintain your active lifestyle and hold onto your independence.

A rollator walker isn’t a sign of weakness

Although making the shift from walking and moving independently to relying on a mobility aid for support can be an intimidating one, it might actually prove to be the best decision one could make. A tool that can help you maintain your balance while you live your day-to-day life can help you carry on with an active and mobile lifestyle for years to come.

As most people age there will come a point when moving around without a bit of assistance becomes extremely difficult if not impossible. In this situation, it may become time to incorporate a mobility aid into their day-to-day life. A mobility support aid like a cane or better, a wheeled walker, can make all the difference to someone who is trying to maintain their independence and mobility. However, when it comes to choosing which mobility aid will work the best for each individual, it can be an intimidating process.

From active models to lightweight or compact ones, there are many different styles of walkers on the market today. Choosing the right rollator walker can help ensure that a person is able to maximize its usefulness in their life.

Life in a care home or condo can be great

Moving into a small apartment or condo in an adult building or into a unit in a supported living facility can be extremely helpful to anyone struggling to get around on their own. When amenities like laundry facilities, parking lots, dining rooms and entertainment areas don’t require a large journey, it can be easier to continue to lead a moderately active lifestyle.

Unfortunately, a drawback to these styles of homes is that they often offer tighter living areas as well. While this may mean that a tenant is able to move short distances unassisted, it may also be too cramped for a standard sized rollator walker to move around easily. If this ends up being the case, a person who used to move around a fair amount with their walker may find themselves feeling discouraged and annoyed at how cumbersome it now feels.

Top reasons to get a compact walker or rollator walker

A person’s needs will vary, so they likely have a number of different reasons for getting a compact rollator instead of a standard. A few common reasons include:

• A cane isn’t quite enough support, but they’re not ready for a full-sized, heavy-duty walker yet
• They want a walker that can be kept in the car or the garage, ready to pop in the car anytime without worrying that it will get in the way at the destination
• Their living space is small, so the walker needs to be able to slide into a spot out of the way when not in use
• A second walker is needed in the home, maybe on a second floor or to navigate a room that can’t accommodate a full-sized walker
• The doorways in the home are narrow
• The bathroom in the home is cramped or small
• The user has a weak grip and can’t squeeze the handbrakes on a standard-sized walker
• The user is recovering from an injury or struggles to control a rollator, so a compact unit is easier to maneuver

Look for a compact rollator walker

A walker that just sits unused in a corner or a closet isn’t helping anyone, so it is essential that the care team looks for a better option.

Our pick for the best compact rollator walker is the Volaris compact model. This small and easy to use rollator is the perfect choice for anyone that may struggle with a standard sized rollator. The built-in features make it easy to use, transport and store allowing anyone who uses it to maintain their active lifestyle and their independence.

The top features of the Volaris compact rollator include:

• Upright frame – Users will walk within the frame instead of hunched over from behind it, allowing them to maintain good posture and prevent back injury.
• Compact design – Coming in at a full 2 inches narrower when in use than other rollators on the market, the Volaris is much easier to maneuver
• Easy to transport – At 8 inches shorter when folded and about 5lbs lighter than other models, the Volaris compact rollator walker is easy to store and put in a vehicle.
• X-Frame – Allows the rollator to stand upright when folded, making it easy to store in a small home.

Using a compact rollator makes life easier

Making the transition from moving around without assistance to needing the support of a rollator walker or cane is difficult enough. Having to use a rollator that feels awkward and hard to control can just add to the discomfort that someone is going through. A compact rollator walker is the perfect solution for anyone struggling with the size of their rollator.