I walk my dog, Ginny, every morning, and evening. Some mornings, I see an older couple – presumably a husband and wife. The wife has a strong healthy stride while her husband has a distinct “Parkinsonian” gait. He walks slowly with his chest bent forward, he takes short fast “shuffling” steps with less arm and body movement. This gives him a stiff appearance and it looks like he is going to fall over.
I say good morning and smile and every morning I think to myself; damn! Why doesn’t he use a walker? He is going to fall and break something which is likely going to have permanent consequences. Some people with Parkinson’s Disease can recover from broken bones and return to their baseline, but for many, a fracture, and its resultant immobility, as well as the effects of potential surgery and hospitalization, will lead to a permanent decline in their condition. I know, that happened to my father many years ago.
So many people are ashamed of using a walker. They see it as a sign of weakness or fragility. They might tolerate using a cane. After all, Sting claimed that he takes his cane “everywhere I walk” in his “Englishman in New York” song. And what could look better than 1987 Sting? But a cane is only useful if you have minor mobility issues, not balance issues. A cane is helpful if you need a little extra help during long walks. A cane can help with knee pain for a short time. Over a longer period, however, it can lead to repetitive strain issues as your weight tends to shift toward the side with the cane, throwing everything off kilter.
A walker, on the other hand, is centered and sturdy. It provides full support and is better for weight bearing. It is ideal for people recovering from surgery, have lower body weakness, and want additional support when walking and who struggle with balance. Many even come with their own little sitting bench.
They are the new glasses, and they should be seen as just that. Nobody gets called “Four eyes” when they start wearing glasses anymore – hell, anyone over 45 wears glasses if they want to see the dosage print on their Tylenol bottle.
In short, walkers are amazing tools that allow users to get around independently, exactly like glasses allow folks to see clearly enough to read or drive or watch a movie.
Today, 20% of Canadians are over the age of 65. That means that there are going to be more and more walkers out and about. At one point Hermès and Burberry will get the message and we will have fabulous walkers as fashion staples but until they do, please, please don’t let misplaced shame keep you from sturdy, and safe walking. The alternative to the walker is falling – and that could be disastrous.
