Walkers and Fall Prevention Myth

As most individuals age they begin to lose strength, flexibility and coordination, causing their walking to decline. The older adult may then begin to complain about being fearful of falling or unsteady on their feet. Typically, this is when they are given a rolling walker. The walker initially gives them the needed confidence to walk more easily and their fear of falling is reduced. A walker may also have been prescribed after an injury or surgery.

Because the sight of an older adult and a walker is ubiquitous, to some it may seem that a walker is a solution to fall prevention for seniors, but in fact using a walker increases the risk of falling.

It is important that a walker be viewed as a temporary solution. When an older adult depends on their walker for stability after a length of time, their risk of falling may increase because they become afraid of moving without both hands holding onto something to stabilize them. Tasks such as dressing, toileting, brushing teeth, getting a glass of water and preparing meals require a free hand. After relying on a walker some people forget how to keep their balance when they have only one-hand support. This places them at a high risk of falls.

The process of relearning how to maintain one's balance without needing a walker, and the confidence to do so, requires the services of a private-pay strength and balance program, like Senior Abilities Unlimited's Tandem Strength and Balance®, and usually takes 3-6 months. The benefits are worth it! The majority of Senior Abilities Unlimited clients who initially used walkers no longer do so. Their risk and fear of falling has decreased. They are more independent and they move more freely.