Best Walkers for Seniors – Enjoy a Stable and Safe Walking Experience

Old is gold and with age comes an endless pool of wisdom, undeniable experience and fond stories of good days gone by. However, as the years go by, so does the body take a beating and start losing key physical and mental abilities. The bones start getting weak while some of the memories begin to fade. One of the most common challenges for senior citizens is mobility and safety to prevent falls, where they admit that they lose that spring they had in their stride with every waking day. Seniors are at higher risk of falling, and according to reports, one senior falls every second of every day in America. There are dozens of fall risk factors for older adults, including walking, in any form. As a loved one, you will need to invest in the best walkers for seniors to help them move around and keep fit even in their old age.

The popularity of these walkers designed for the aged has risen tremendously as technology continues to make them more user-friendly and extremely flexible. Gone are the days when a walking stick or a wheelchair was the only option for the senior citizens to move around with. Having a walker, whether standard or wheeled, allows them to gain some form of independence back since they don’t have to spend their day stuck in a couch. With a walker, a senior citizen can easily walk to the bathroom, go outside for a stroll or even move around the house without your help. Of course, there are also cases when a walker is not enough and you should apply for supporting health care services for seniors. This requires additional budget that should be calculated by care calculator, that shows you the current and future cost of long-term health care where you live.

There are many types of walkers available in the market and the designs differ depending on the needs of the senior citizen, their body type, height and many other factors. Getting the ideal walker for your loved one may prove quite a daunting task but we’ve got you covered. We have searched far and wide for some of the best walkers for senior citizens that will help your loved one walk around easily and with an immense amount of stability. Let’s explore.

Top 16 Walkers for Seniors of 2020 Reviewed

1. Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker

Best Front Wheeled Walker

Designed with a sleek yet functional design, this Deluxe Walker from Drive Medical is just what your loved one needs to accomplish everyday tasks. It comes with 5 inch wheels with rear end caps that easily glide over most surfaces whether indoors or outdoors. It boasts of easy push buttons that are conveniently placed for easy reach and operation using fingers or the palm of the hand. Since it’s made of high grade aluminum, it’s light in weight and easily maneuvers without adding any pressure to the senior citizen.

To fold it up, you need to press an easy push button which is conveniently pressed at the top for easy reach. The U-shaped frame provides you with greater clearance while on the move while the cross-frame design allows for greater stability.  The walker has a simple design but is amazingly practical and highly functional.

Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker

Pros:

  • Ergonomic design for stability and clearance
  • Easy push buttons to fold it
  • Light in weight

Cons:

  • Not for heavy bodied persons
  • Buttons hard to press for arthritic hands
  • Wheels may wobble at times

2. Hugo Elite Rollator Walker

Best Four Wheeled  Walker

Move around with ease and exceptional grace with this advanced blue Rollator Walker from Hugo Mobility. It boasts of four large 8’’ wheels that move seamlessly and provide you with great maneuverability. The built-in seat with a convenient back rest allows you to rest and take a break wherever you are. The ergonomic design boasts of firm non-slip handles with a good grip and the braking system is conveniently placed for your reach. The handles are strategically bumped to fit naturally on your hand while the soft molded rubber absorbs vibrations.

It also has a tool free assembly that allows it to come up and collapse in seconds. It supports a weight of up to 300 pounds and allows those with an injury to easily rehabilitate it through exercise. It can fit most people with a height of 5’ to 6’2’’ and easily adjusts to accommodate different heights. It fold easily for convenient storage and fits in most car trunks.

Hugo Elite Rollator Walker

Pros:

  • Great ergonomic design
  • Comes with a seat and backrest
  • 8’’ wheels for maneuverability

Cons:

  • Not great for short people
  • A bit bulky
  • Heavy

3. NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker

Best Three Wheeled Walker

Dubbed ‘The Traveller’, this rollator walker is the perfect compact for a senior citizen as it maneuvers through narrow and small spaces. It’s equipped with 3 rubber wheels with a wide base of 1 and ¾ inches which provide you with a smooth and stable ride on most terrains. The uniquely designed hand brakes are feather soft to touch and are patented to ensure quick response at the slightest touch. The brakes require minimum strength to respond which gives you confidence as you walk. The brakes also come with a 5 year warranty on all the parts.

For storage when on the move, the Traveller comes with a tray basket and a zippered pouch which can all be removed easily. The basket has a large space to carry food, personal items such phones and other things. The walker can accommodate a height of 5’4’’ to 6’2’’but is adjustable to a height of between 33.25’’ and 37’’. The walker has a weight of 16.5 pounds and can accommodate a weight capacity of 250 pounds.

NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker

Pros:

  • Patented instant brakes
  • 3 wide base wheels for most terrains
  • Has a tray, basket and pouch

Cons:

  • A bit wide
  • Not ideal for short people
  • Takes time to fold

4. Hugo Mobility 770-260 Folding Walker

Best Standard Walker

Get all the walking support that you may need by investing in this foldable walker from Hugo Mobility, a brand dedicated to quality products for your health. It comes with 8 height adjustments that will provide stress free mobility to senior citizens whose height falls between 5’1’’ and 6’4’’. This standard walker can also provide adequate support to people weighing 300 pounds and below. Since it’s made of medical grade aluminum alloy, the walker is light in weight and easily lifts as you move from one point to the next.

You will also get 5 bonus wheels and strong plastic glides that help this walker maneuver easily. The non-slip handles provide a firm grip as you walk and a conveniently placed button collapses this walker in seconds for easy storage. The large rubber tips provide great traction as you move and make the walker easy to control.  The walker also comes with two deluxe bags and a cup/bottle holder to keep you energized for your walk.

Hugo Mobility 770-260 Folding Walker

Pros:

  • 8 height adjustments
  • Large rubber grips with good traction
  • Light in weight

Cons:

  • Minimal stability
  • Centre part is weak
  • Loose Velcro straps

5. Healthline Trading 2-Button Folding Walker

Best Walker for Knee Replacement

With a simple 2-button mechanism, this walker easily folds and operates using only your fingers. It comes with vinyl handles that are ergonomically designed and have contours which provide you with a good grip. The walker also has back glider caps with good traction that help with maneuverability. The walker also has adjustable legs that help accommodate different heights.

The U shape provides the senior citizen with a greater clearance which allows them to walk comfortably and freely. The metallic frame is easy to clean and light in weight making it the ideal companion for any senior citizen.

Healthline Trading 2-Button Folding Walker

Pros:

  • U shape frame with wide clearance
  • Adjustable height
  • Ergonomic handles

Cons:

  • A bit heavy
  • Some find it too wide
  • Not great for narrow spaces

6. Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Walker

Best  Walker for Spinal Steonsis

The Drive Medical Heavy Duty standard walker has been designed to provide you with adequate strength without being too heavy. Its frame and sides are made of steel which has been precisely designed to provide you with the necessary strength to support a weight of up to 500 pounds. It has a deeper frame that provides more clearance and stability.

For easy maneuvering through narrow spaces, each of the sides is designed to operate independently which also makes the walker more stable when you are standing up. The handles are made of vinyl and expertly crafted to provide a firm, non-slip grip. It also has easy to push buttons which are designed to be operated using your fingers or the palms of your hands.

Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Walker

Pros:

  • Supports a weight of up to 500 pounds
  • U brace design for more stability
  • Heavy duty steel construction

Cons:

  • Can’t be used in the shower
  • Locking mechanism needs modification
  • Plastic cups are flimsy

7. HEALTHLINE Folding Deluxe 2 Button Walker

Best Light Weight Standard Walker

Gain back your independence by investing in this easy to operate adult walker from HEALTHLINE. It features two press buttons that can be operated using your fingers or the palm of your hand. The two fast push button are easy to reach and even easier to operate. The walker can also be adjusted from 32 to 39 inches which helps accommodate people of different heights.

The walker is light in weight and can be used for indoors and outdoors since it easily maneuvers through different terrains. Since the walker doesn’t have any wheels, it can be easily folded to fit compactly in a suitcase or in the trunk of your car. For added strength, the walker is made from 1 inch anodized aluminum that is strong, light and durable. The U-shape provides extra clearance for the senior citizen. It can support a weight of up to 300 pounds.

HEALTHLINE Folding Deluxe 2 Button Walker

Pros:

  • 2 fast push buttons
  • Light weight
  • Easily folds for storage and transportation

Cons:

  • A bit wide
  • Handles need to be softer on the hands
  • Wobbles with time

8. HEALTHLINE Folding Deluxe 2 Button Walker

Best Stand Up Standard Walker

Gain back your independence by investing in this easy to operate adult walker from HEALTHLINE. It features two press buttons that can be operated using your fingers or the palm of your hand. The two fast push button are easy to reach and even easier to operate. The walker can also be adjusted from 32 to 39 inches which helps accommodate people of different heights.

The walker is light in weight and can be used for indoors and outdoors since it easily maneuvers through different terrains. Since the walker doesn’t have any wheels, it can be easily folded to fit compactly in a suitcase or in the trunk of your car. For added strength, the walker is made from 1 inch anodized aluminum that is strong, light and durable. The U-shape provides extra clearance for the senior citizen. It can support a weight of up to 300 pounds.

HEALTHLINE Folding Deluxe 2 Button Walker

Pros:

  • 2 fast push buttons
  • Light weight
  • Easily folds for storage and transportation

Cons:

  • A bit wide
  • Handles need to be softer on the hands
  • Wobbles with time

9. Carex Folding Walker for Seniors

Best Walker for Easy Maneuverability

Walk around with the help of this adult walker from Carex that comes with an easy to operate two button mechanism. It folds down for easy transportation and can fit in the boot of your car. The walker has been sturdily built and is safe to support a weight of 300 pounds. The 1 inch round aluminum construction ensures that it’s light in weight while still having a solid construction. You can also adjust the height between 30 and 37 inches where you are guided by the marked peg holes.

The sides of the walker easily detach to help with maneuverability and storage in small spaces.  You can also turn this walker into a rolling walker by adding wheels that are sold separately. For better traction walker glides can be added to the legs of this standard walker. The Carex brand has over 35 years’ experience in adult mobility walkers and ensures that you get nothing but the best.

Carex Folding Walker for Seniors

Pros:

  • Stable and safe
  • Sides detach for easy maneuvering
  • Folds down using two button mechanism

Cons:

  • Wheels and glides sold separately
  • Could be more durable
  • Not ideal for large people

10. Medline Rollator Walker with Seat and Wheels

Best Walker with All Terrain Wheels

The handles of a walker are often prone to germs and sweat which may provide a perfect place for bacteria to grow. The Medline Steel Rolling Walker has Microban anti-microbial protection that helps prevent bacteria, mold or mildew from ever growing on it. It won’t stain or have any odors thus taking good care of you. The wide handles are cushioned to provide a soft yet firm grip for all the support that you may need.

To lock in the walker, push down the agile brakes and squeeze gently when releasing. The walker’s height can easily be adjusted by unscrewing the large knobs. It also comes with a cushioned seat with great padding to let you rest after a long walk. On flipping the seat, you will have access to a storage compartment for your personal items. The cushioned backrest also provides extra support for your back without adding unnecessary weight to the walker.

Medline Rollator Walker with Seat and Wheels

Pros:

  • Microban anti-microbial protection
  • Easy height adjustment
  • Padded seat and cushioned backrest

Cons:

  • Not easy to assemble
  • Handles are too wide
  • Front wheel need constant tightening

11. Healthcare Direct 100RA Steel Rollator Walker

Best Walker With Seat

Become an independent senior citizen with this beautifully crafted steel rollator that comes in an elegant burgundy color. It features easy to use loop-style brakes that you push down to lock and pull up to release. The rollator comes with a padded seat for resting with a curved backrest for better comfort. It also has a convenient water-resistant storage bag under the seat to carry your personal items as you leave the house.

The rolling walker comes with four 6 inch wheels that easily slide through various terrains allowing you to walk from one point to another. It also folds up into a standing position that allows for easy storage and makes it more portable. The rollator also supports a maximum weight of up to 350 pounds and measures 17.5 Inches between the handles.

Healthcare Direct 100RA Steel Rollator Walker

Pros:

  • Easy to use brakes
  • Padded seat and backrest
  • Adjustable height

Cons:

  • Wheels can be wobbly over time
  • Storage bag could be bigger
  • Could fit better through narrower spaces

12. Vive Folding Rollator Walker

Best Walker With Brakes

Vive brings you this innovative 4-wheeled rollator that comes with a new foldable design making it a great companion for senior citizens. It’s lightweight and durable with great stability and support. Its 8’’ sporty wheels allows it to maneuver easily through any terrain. The height of the walker is adjustable and can be customized to fit most individuals.

It has an agile dual braking system where each of the ergonomic handles is positioned in an angled position so that your hands don’t get fatigued as you walk. The wheel has locking brakes that hold the walker in place when in motion. The rollator also comes with a detachable storage bag where you can store your personal items, medications among other things. It’s made of a corrosion- resistant aluminum frame that’s light in weight and can support a weight of 300 pounds.

Vive Folding Rollator Walker

 

Pros:

  • 8’’ wheels for easy maneuvering
  • Adjustable height
  • Detachable storage bag

Cons:

  • Hard to bring it up
  • Not ideal for very tall people
  • Quite heavy

13. OasisSpace Compact Folding Walker

Best FDA Approved Walker

OasisSpace is a brand dedicated to providing its users with quality products that are reliable and will help them stay in life. One such product is their Compact Folding Narrow Walker which comes in a compact size and easily folds to fit in a suitcase or your car’s trunk. It has a trigger handle that is easy to reach which when pressed easily collapses the walker in a single motion.

Each of the sides of the walker operate independently making it easy to go through narrow spaces and remains stable when you are standing. This FDA approved walker has been made using medical grade aluminum alloy making it light in weight without being wobbly. The poles have a thickness of 1.2mm and can support a maximum weight of 350 pounds. You can also adjust the height without using any tools to a maximum height of 39.5 inches at increments of 1 inch.

The ergonomic handles have a soft ribbed design that is gentle on the hands and provides you with a non-slip grip. The walker also comes with 2 pieces of skis that help reduce friction and help you roll smoothly on any surface. There’s also 4 pieces of self-stick sheet that help prevent scratches on hardwood or any type of floor as you walk. It comes in a beautiful combination of black, blue and silver colors.

OasisSpace Compact Folding Walker

 

Pros:

  • FDA approved
  • Has skis to reduce friction
  • Self-stick sheet to prevent scratches

Cons:

  • The skis may not be uniform in size
  • Some find it too wide
  • Wheels don’t turn inward

14. Medline Premium Empower Rollator Walker

Best  Walker with Armrest

Get empowered as a senior citizen with this rollator walker that will let you move from one point to the other easily. It’s easily customizable to meet different needs and the backrest quickly flips to provide a padded seat which allows you to sit from either side. Its foam memory padded seat is comfortable with an armrest and adjustable seat height for added comfort. The seat can be flipped to allow step-in support as you walk.

The rollator folds flat since the handles retract while the wheels nest allowing easy storage. It also comes with a convenient cup holder that can be folded when not in use. A spacious neoprene bag is located underneath the seat and has a detachable pouch and zippered storage space. The adjustment pints on the walker are labeled using a yellow color for easy identification. The loop-style easy squeeze brakes are convenient and easy to use.

Medline Premium Empower Rollator Walker

 

Pros:

  • Padded seat with versatile backrest
  • Folds flat
  • Adjustment areas are yellow for easy identification

Cons:

  • Quite difficult to fold
  • Heavy
  • Brakes could be better

15. Invacare 66550 Bariatric Rollator

Best  Walker Rollator

This sturdily built rollator is great for large people since it can accommodate a weight of up to 500 pounds. Its sturdily built steel frame is strong and durable. The four wheels are large and easily maneuver through all terrains. It measures 22 inches between the handles and has a deep u frame that provides greater clearance even for large persons.

The loop style hand brakes are agile and control the walker well. It also features a flip up padded seat that’s comfortable and wide enough. Underneath the seat is a convenient storage bag while the backrest is removable for added convenience.

Invacare 66550 Bariatric Rollator

Pros:

  • Sturdy steel frame
  • Large weight capacity
  • Agile brakes

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Hard to fold
  • Seat is too high

16. Drive Medical Winnie Lite Folding Rollator

Best Stylish Walker

Drive Medical Winnie Lite is one of the most stylish rollators around and comes with an attractive tan finish. The three wheeled rollator boasts of 7.5 inches which easily maneuver through all terrains offering you a smooth ride. It also features stylish tan clad storage pouch to carry all your stylish items. It also has special loop brakes that help control the rollator and provide you with a smooth walking experience. It’s also easy to adjust the height up to 38 inches and accommodates a weight capacity of 300 pounds.

Drive Medical Winnie Lite Folding Rollator

 

Pros:

  • Stylish look
  • Adjustable loop style brakes
  • Adjustable height

Cons:

  • Front wheel need to be firmer
  • Quite small
  • Quite unstable

How to Choose The Best Walker for a Senior: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Senior citizens are gems in the society since they offer advice on various life issues through the years of experience that they have gained in their long life. But through these years, their bodies tend to cave in to the challenges that come with old age. Some of the biggest challenges that comes with growing old is loss of mobility, memory lapse and other opportunistic diseases such as arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. Most times, an elderly person will confine themselves to a wheel chair and use it to move from one point to the next. Investing in mobility aids such a walker is one of the best things that you can do for a senior citizen.

Why Buy a Walker for Senior Citizens?

You will notice that your loved one isn’t as mobile as they would want to be and often need a caregiver around even for the tiniest tasks. Mobility aids have been specially designed to make a senior gain back their independence by providing them with the necessary support to move around. Adult walkers are light in weight and ergonomically designed to provide stability of movement to the senior citizens.

Unlike clutches and walking canes that require a considerable amount of strength to operate, walkers are easy to use and don’t drain the senior of the little energy they have left. Better yet, walkers can be used inside and outside allowing the senior to walk about and carry out tasks while exercising in the process. Being confined in a wheel chair can be depressing at times and seniors yearn to move around and get rid of any boredom that comes with being stationery for too long. Some of the walkers also have a seat and backrest for the senior to rest after a long walk.

Types of Walkers

Before stepping out to buy a walker, it’s important to understand the various types of walkers available in the market. Generally, walkers are categorized into two major types; wheeled and non-wheeled (rollator) walkers. Let’s look at them in detail;

  • Standard Walkers – It’s the most common type of walker and has a basic design of four non-wheeled legs and handle bars on each side. To walk, the senior needs to lift the walker up and place it a few inches away from them before taking a few steps forward. For easy lifting, these walkers are usually light in weight but highly stable and durable. They are among the most affordable in the market and walking in them is quite slow but sure. They are suited for seniors who can’t stand on their own and need additional balance. They work best on smooth surfaces.
  • Front Wheeled Walkers – It resembles a standard walker but the front has wheels so that the senior citizen doesn’t have to lift the walker so as to walk. All they need to do is push it forward and start walking. They are best suited for seniors with moderate balance and can be used outside where the terrain is rougher. However, don’t put too much weight on them since they can move fast causing you to stumble.
  • 4-Wheeled Rollators – The proper definition of a rollator is one with wheels on all the legs making them the best in providing mobility to seniors. Just like the name, 4-wheeled rollators have wheels on all the legs. To control the walker, they come fitted with brakes often conveniently near the handlebars  for easy access. For added independence, they often have a seat, a backrest and even a storage basket to carry personal items. They are heavy but are the best for all types of terrains.
  • 3- Wheeled Rollators – These have a triangular shape with a wheel at the front and two at the back which gives them great maneuverability. They also have brakes like their 4-wheeled counterparts but unfortunately don’t have a seat. They also come with a basket that you can use to carry your personal items.  They are also ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Adult Walker    

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a walker for seniors:

  • Purpose – Seniors may need walkers due to certain medical conditions such as spinal injuries, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease among others. There are specific walkers designed for such conditions and it’s necessary to pick one that is fit for the specific condition.
  • Terrain – Some walkers are limited to indoor use only especially the standard walkers that walk best on a smooth surface. If you are looking for a walker that will work on all terrains, you need to go for rollators whose wheels allow them to move easily inside and outside.
  • Accessories – Sometimes, the senior citizen may want to rest after a long walk or carry items such as phones, snacks and other personal things. For such cases, going for a 4-wheeled rollator that comes with a padded seat and a curved backrest with a carrying basket is a great choice.
  • Weight Capacity – Most walkers come with a limit to the amount of weight that they can accommodate. You need to pay attention to the given weight capacity so that you don’t get a walker that can’t handle your weight leading to instability and lack of balance.
  • Height Adjustment – Ability to adjust the height of the walker is a great feature to ensure that the senior is comfortable. You should also go for a walker that doesn’t require any tools to adjust the height as this saves you time and ensures quick adjustment.

Conclusion

Mobility aids especially walkers are the best way for a senior citizen to gain back their independence. Not only will they get to move around easily but it will help keep their muscles fit and help in healing any injuries. We hope that our comprehensive review on the best walkers for senior citizens will go a long way in helping you pick a great product for that precious soul.