Aside from aging, many factors can contribute to decreased senior mobility. These include:
- Obesity
- Vision problems
- Impaired strength
- Chronic diseases (like diabetes or arthritis)
- Recent hospitalization
Depression can also lead to mobility issues, as it decreases a person’s motivation to stay physically active.
Inactivity and decreased mobility can adversely affect the mind and body of a senior. As abilities decrease and challenges with daily responsibilities increase, there’s a temptation for seniors to stop participating in activities that used to interest them and keep them moving. Not to mention that decreased mobility contributes to a higher risk of falls—which can lead to even more issues—mobility and otherwise.
Signs that mobility problems need to be addressed are:
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Repeated trips and falls
- Bouts of dizziness
- Problems reaching for items
- Struggling to get in and out of chairs
- Inability to safely use stairs
Fortunately, an ever-expanding array of mobility resources and aids are available to help keep seniors active and moving.
Mobility Aids
Canes
The most common assistive device is the cane. They come in various designs:
- Self-standing models with widened bases or feet that keep the cane from falling over and provide more stability.
- Foldable canes that collapse for storage.
- Posture canes, which help the user walk more upright.
- The HurryCane, which is both a self-standing and foldable device.
- Forearm canes, which have an extension that takes some of the weight off the hands and wrist and transfers it to the arms.
Crutches
Crutches are used primarily for more severe but temporary mobility limitations. However, there are crutches that can be used more long-term like the in-Motion Forearm Crutches, which feature ergonomic hand grips and shock-absorbing lower posts.
Knee Scooters
These aids provide padded cushions for people suffering from lower leg or foot problems. Users elevate the affected leg by resting the knee on the cushion and propelling the scooter with the other leg. This lightweight, wheeled device—like this one from Vive Health—is adjustable for height and has its own braking system for safe stops.
Walkers
Walkers can come with no wheels, or wheels on the two front legs. There are also four-wheeled walkers called rollators. Walkers provide more support and balance than canes and crutches, but they can be difficult to maneuver—particularly outside the home. For example, the Homland Foldable Rollator Walker comes with hand brakes, a seat to rest on, a storage pouch and 350-lb. carrying capacity, and it can be adjusted for height.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs, particularly electric wheelchairs, provide mobility for people who cannot walk or put weight on their lower body.
Choosing which electric wheelchair to buy can be a big decision. Mobility Deck has reviewed dozens of electric wheelchairs to identify the best of the best for 2026 in their guide to electric wheelchairs.
Mobility scooters
Similar to wheelchairs but bulkier, battery-powered mobility scooters work well outdoors. They can also provide respite for those who are not able to stay on their feet for long but want to stay mobile.
Ramps
Ramps are good for seniors who have trouble navigating stairs, and work particularly well for older adults in wheelchairs or on mobility scooters. Installing ramps in front of your home can make it safer for seniors to get to the front door.
Other Mobility Aids and Resources
There are many other mobility resources and devices that help seniors with decreased mobility such as:
- Reaching aids to assist in retrieving items out of the senior’s reach.
- Stair lifts that can restore the senior’s ability to use an upper or lower floor in the home.
- Handrails and grab bars, which can decrease the chances of a fall.
- Recliner lift chairs to assist in sitting down and especially standing back up.
- Elevated toilet seats with arms to make bathroom use easier.
- Shower chairs to decrease falls on slippery surfaces.
- Transfer benches to make entering and exiting the bathtub or shower easier.
Finding and removing fall hazards in the senior’s home will also help, as will installing night lights to make moving about the house in the dark safer.
Occupational therapists can teach seniors with limited mobility exercise and rehabilitation techniques to help complete daily tasks like dressing, eating, and bathing. They can also provide information and training with any assistive devices the senior may need.
Assistive devices and mobility resources can make a world of difference to a senior living independently. Explore the solutions that will work best for you or a loved one.
In need of mobility resources and support? We’re here to help — contact Bethesda to get started.
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