Maintaining mobility and independence is a top priority for seniors and finding the right walking aid can make a huge difference.
And seniors have a lot of options to choose from these days, but upright walkers have emerged as a popular option.
Offering a modern and ergonomic design, upright walkers can address a lot of the common issues faced with traditional walkers and rollators.
This is because unlike standard devices, upright walkers encourage proper posture, which cane help reduce strain on the back and joints and improve overall stability.
But that doesn’t mean these walkers are the right choice for everyone.
In this guide, we will explore what an upright walker is, how it’s used, and the specific benefits it provides.
We’ll also discuss potential drawbacks, compare it to other mobility aids like platform walkers, and offer tips for choosing the right model.
Whether you’re a senior looking to stay active or a caregiver seeking the best option for a loved one, this article will help you make an informed decision.
What’s an Upright Walker?
An upright walker is a mobility aid designed to help individuals walk in a more natural, upright position.
Unlike traditional walkers or rollators, which require users to grip lower handles, upright walkers are designed with handles positioned at arm height.
This ergonomic design allows users to stand straighter, reducing strain on the back, shoulders, and wrists.
Features and design elements of upright walkers will vary between models, but most are essentially rollators with elevated arm rest platforms.
This means that unlike traditional walkers (standard or front-wheeled), upright walkers usually come with brakes and a seat.
Key features of upright walkers include:
- Height-Adjustable Handles: Positioned to encourage upright posture.
- Armrests: Provide additional support and comfort for the forearms.
- Wheels: Typically equipped with four wheels for smooth movement.
- Built-In Seat: Offers a place to rest when needed.
- Braking System: Ensures safety and control during use.
How to Use an Upright Walker
Using an upright walker is straightforward, but proper setup and usage are essential for safety and effectiveness.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Adjust the Height: Ensure the handles and armrests are at a comfortable level to allow a natural arm position. Make sure they armrests aren’t too high – your shoulders should be in a relaxed, neutral position when using the walker.
- Position the Walker: Stand within the frame, holding the handles securely.
- Move Forward: Push the walker gently ahead while walking inside the frame. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
- Use the Brakes: Engage the brakes when stopping or resting to prevent the walker from rolling.
- Take Breaks: Utilize the built-in seat for resting when needed, ensuring the brakes are locked before sitting down.
The key to using an upright walker (or any other kind of walker for that matter) is staying close enough to the device while walking.
The design of an upright walker makes it a little easier to do this, but that doesn’t mean an upright walker will instantly correct your walking posture.
Seniors will still have to make an effort to stand close to their walkers and maintain upright posture on their won while walking.
Trust me, it’s still possible to slouch with an upright walker.
Benefits of Using an Upright Walker
Upright walkers offer numerous advantages, including:
Improved Posture
The ultimate goal of an upright walker is to encourages users to stand tall, reducing slouching and back strain.
Having the elevated arm rests does promote better posture, while making it a little easier to stay close while walking.
Enhanced Stability
The sturdy frame and arm supports may provide better balance and confidence while walking, but I don’t want to folks to have a false sense of security.
Upright walkers can still tip over and if you lose your balance, they aren’t necessarily going to ensure you stay on your feet.
But the added weight and design do make for a stable walker.
Comfortable Design
Having armrests and ergonomic handles can definitely help minimize wrist and hand fatigue.
Especially for seniors with weak grip strength or other issues making it hard to grasp traditional walker handles.
Resting Capability
Like rollators, most upright walkers come with built-in seats to ensures users can take breaks when needed.
This can come in especially handy for seniors and other folks that get tired easily when walking outside of the home.
Just remember to lock those breaks before sitting on your walker.
Disadvantages of Using an Upright Walker
Despite their benefits, upright walkers may not be suitable for everyone.
Some potential drawbacks include:
Bulkier Design
Upright walkers tend to be a little Larger and heavier than standard walkers, which can make them harder to transport or maneuver in tight spaces.
That said, there are lightweight upright walkers out there too.
The UpWalker Lite, for example, only weighs about 15 lb, making it about the same weight as a traditional rollator.
For the sake of reference, most traditional walkers only weight about 8 lb or so.
Higher Cost
There’s no getting around the fact that upright walkers cost more than traditional walkers and rollators.
Prices vary quite a bit, depending on brand and features, but you can expect an upright walker to cost at least 2x as much as traditional kinds.
Prices on these walkers can vary anywhere from ~$200 to ~$1000.
Learning Curve
An upright walker may take a little getting used to, especially if you’ve used a traditional walker or cane in the past.
They require some practice to use effectively and confidently, but again, they’re still pretty easy to use for most folks.
Who Can Benefit From an Upright Walker?
Upright walkers are suitable for a wide range of individuals, particularly:
- Seniors with Back or Joint Pain: The upright design reduces strain on the lower back and promotes better posture.
- Individuals with Balance Issues: Enhanced stability helps prevent falls.
- Those Recovering from Surgery: Provides a secure and supportive aid during rehabilitation.
- People with Limited Endurance: The built-in seat allows for convenient resting during longer walks.
The primary goal of an upright walker is to promote a more upright posture – so, if you’re struggling to stand upright with a traditional walker, you may benefit from switching to one of these devices.
However, if you have spinal stenosis or some other back issue that makes it challenging to stand upright, you may have a hard time using an upright walker.
I’ve had patients in the past that tried using upright walkers and weren’t able because they couldn’t comfortably stand upright.
If you can’t physically tolerate standing tall, an upright walker is unlikely to fix this problem.
Upright Walkers vs. Platform Walkers
Upright walkers and platform walkers are reallllly similar – so much in fact, that a lot of brands seem to use the two terms interchangeably.
Personally, I think there’s a difference (but I may be the only one).
Regardless, here’s my take on these devices:
| Feature | Upright Walkers | Platform Walkers |
|---|---|---|
| Posture Support | Promotes an upright posture, reducing back and shoulder strain. | Offers forearm support, but may not improve overall posture as much. |
| Handle Design | Ergonomic handles positioned at arm height. | Forearm platforms to support weight-bearing through one or both arms. |
| Primary Support Area | Focuses on hand grip and arm support. | Transfers weight to the forearms for users with hand or wrist issues. |
| Stability | Provides good stability for general mobility. | Provides good stability for general mobility. |
| Built-in Seat | Commonly includes a seat for resting. | May include a seat, may not. |
| Terrain Compatibility | Performs well indoors and on smooth outdoor surfaces. | Best suited for flat, stable surfaces. |
| Target Users | Seniors seeking better posture and mobility. | Individuals with limited grip strength or wrist/hand pain. |
| Cost | Typically more expensive than standard walkers. | Generally comparable to other specialized walkers. |
Tips for Choosing the Right Upright Walker
To select the best upright walker, consider the following:
- Height Adjustability: Ensure the walker can be customized to your body’s needs.
- Weight Capacity: Check that the walker supports your weight comfortably.
- Portability: Look for lightweight models if you need to transport the walker frequently.
- Wheel Type: Opt for larger wheels if you plan to use the walker outdoors.
- Budget: Balance cost with the features you need most.
Final Thoughts
I think that about does it for upright walkers.
I’ve worked with several patients over the years that’ve used these devices and I will say that most of ’em found these walkers helpful.
Most agree that upright walkers help promote better posture, but it’s a bad idea to think that these are a quick fix for posture.
That’s just not true.
I said it earlier, but I’ll repeat it because it’s important – you can still slouch with an upright walker, so you have to make the effort to stand tall and use them correctly.
Also, keep in mind that if you have any medical issues that make it challenging to physically stand upright, these walkers likely won’t fix that either and they could even increase your pain if you try to force it.
Overall though, I think upright walkers can be quite helpful.
And even though they may not be ideal for every situation, they can provide significant benefits for seniors and others who need additional support while walking.
If you’re considering an upright walker, you might want to consult a healthcare professional or physical therapist before buying to make sure it’s a good fit.
And as always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave ’em below and I’ll get back to you shortly.
