As years advance for some seniors getting around might be a taxing task due to restricted joints, reflexes, or balance. But having a walker can help maintain independence and maintain a more active lifestyle. With the number of walkers on the market, it can be hard to figure out the best one. Best Rated Walkers For Seniors discusses why you should get a walker, what to look for when buying a walker, and explores the top-rated walker in 5 different categories. So whether you’re ready to buy or just want to learn more, read on!

Best Upright Walkers For Seniors

Best Rated Walkers For Seniors – Preview Table

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#PreviewProductRating
1Best Rated Walkers For Seniors - Drive MedicalDrive MedicalBest Traditional
2Best Rated Walkers For Seniors - Drive Medical With WheelsDrive Medical DeluxeBest Traditional With Wheels
3Best Rated Walkers For Seniors - StanderStander EZ Fold-N-Go Best Fold and Go
4Best Rated Walkers For Seniors - MedlineMedline Aluminum Rollator WalkerBest Rollator
5Best Walkers For Seniors - Elenker Upright WalkerELENKERBest Upright

Why You Should Get A Walker

With age, for many people and maybe yourself or a loved one included comes a lack of mobility. This may be because of stiff joints, lack of strength, or balance. In turn, the lack of mobility can lead to becoming homebound and a sense of losing independence. But with the benefit of a walker, no longer will they need to sit out of walking activities. Walkers can give the necessary support and security to remain active.

What to Look for When Buying A Walker

Everyone has different preferences on what is important when deciding on a walker, but I want to offer my opinion on the most important features that a walker should have.

Durability

When considering a walker, you want one that is durable and will stand up to time. You don’t want to use your hard-earned money and end up with a flimsy walker that falls apart. You want one that will last and be as durable as your budget allows. Most walkers are made from either an aluminum or steel frame.

Fit

You want a walker that fits your body. For this to happen, you will want to look for an adjustable walker. Most walkers will come with adjustable legs and handlebars for a better-individualized fit.

Weight Capacity

When we talk about the fit of the walker to the user, you also want to keep in mind the weight limit or capacity. Weight capacity is the total weight the walker is built to withstand. This includes the user’s weight and any other items stored on the walker.

Comfort

If you are going to be using your walker, especially for extended periods of time, you want one that is comfortable. Much of this will come with adjusting the legs and handlebars but also think of the comfort in a seat. Seats come in vinyl and fabric, and being padded is a nice feature. A seat will give you the ability to rest when needed.

Look At The Type

There are a few types of walkers; the traditional/basic walker, the rollator rolling walker, and the upright walker are all you’ll want to consider before making your purchasing decision.

For a general run-down, the traditional/basic walker is the type you often see when recovering from surgery or an injury. They do not have wheels, and to use one, you lift it and place it forward as you take a step. A rollator is a wheeled walker. The upright walker is, as the name implies – is a wheeled walker that allows you stand upright, which enables the user to look straight ahead and not hunched over.

Ease of Transport

Do you plan to use your walker outside of your immediate area? Do you plan to drive and take your walker with you? If so, you want one that can either fold or collapse down for transport. Also, consider whether you will need to lift the walker yourself into a car and how much weight you can lift. Aluminum-built walkers are usually lighter than steel frame walkers.

Warranty

You want to find what warranty or guarantee the company offers with any product, including walkers. It’s also important to know what is covered under the warranty/guarantee and the terms. It’s better to know ahead of time instead of having an unhappy surprise when something you thought would be covered isn’t. Also, look into if returns are allowed and, if so, who pays for shipping.

Budget

Before looking at walkers, take a look at your budget and how much you are willing to spend. The cost of a walker can vary greatly depending on the type it is; Wheeled walkers such as a rollator are usually more expensive than your standard, traditional walker and upright walkers are generally more expensive than a rollator rolling walker.


Best Rated Walkers Product Reviews

Here are the reviews of the Best Rated Walkers

1. Drive Medical (Best Traditional)

Best Rated Walkers for Seniors - Traditional Walker - Drive Medical

Features

  • Color: Silver
  • Construction: Aluminum
  • Folding

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 15.5 (L) x 22 (W) x 32 (H) inches
  • Brand: Drive Medical
  • Weight: 6 lbs

Pros

  • Foldable
  • Lightweight
  • Price

Cons

  • No Wheels
  • Noisy
  • Strong Odor

A Few Words

If you’re looking for a basic, traditional, standard walker that is both safe and convenient, the Drive Medical Deluxe 2-Button Folding Walker is perfect for you. Since this walker weighs just 7 pounds, you can easily transport it wherever you go. It features a push-button mechanism that may be operated by fingers, palms, or even the side of the hand, making it easy to use.


2. Drive Medical Deluxe (Best Traditional With Wheels)

Best Rated Walkers for Seniors - Traditional Walker With Wheels - Drive Medical

Features

  • Color: Silver
  • Constructions: Aluminum
  • Foldable
  • Wheels:
    • 5″
    • Two Front
  • Height-Adjustable
  • Hand Grips: Vinyl Contoured
  • Weight Capacity: 350 lbs

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 17.5 (L) x 24 (W) x 32 (H) inches
  • Brand: Drive Medical
  • Weight 7.5 lbs

Pros

  • Adjustable Height
  • Foldable
  • Wheels

Cons

  • Narrow
  • Odor
  • Non Returnable

A Few Words

Drive Medical’s 10200-1 Deluxe 2-Button Folding Walker is ideal for those who find walking difficult or tiring. The walker is made from sturdy, lightweight aluminum. It has a 5″ wide walk path and comes with a push-button mechanism that may be operated by fingers, palms, or even the side of the hand. Moreover, the bariatric walker comes with premium features such as a built-in power source and a weight capacity of 350 lbs. Some people did find the walker a little narrow and did not fit comfortably between the bars. Also, be aware this walker is non-returnable.


3. Stander EZ Fold-N-Go  (Best Fold and Go)

Best Rated Walkers for Seniors - Best Fold and Go - Stander EZ Fold-N-Go

Features

  • Colors Available
    • Rose
    • Blue
    • Black
  • Construction: Aluminum
  • Adjustable Handle Height
  • Folding
  • Wheels
    • Two Front
    • 6″
    • Swivel
  • Ski Gliders – Back
  • Suggested User Height: 5’6″ to 6’3″
  • Padded Handles
  • Pouch
  • No Assembly Required
  • Weight Capacity: 400 lbs

Specifications:

  • Brand: Stander
  • Dimensions: 36 x 22 x 18 inches
  • Weight: 8 lbs
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Pros

  • Collapsible
  • No Assembly Required
  • Swivel Wheels

Cons

  • No Brakes
  • Wheels Pull

A Few Words

This foldable walker is pre-assembled and ready to use when you pull it out of the box. It’s made from materials that are durable and easy to clean, and it features padded handles that can be adjusted from 32 to 38 inches from the floor, making it compatible with heights ranging from 5’6″ to 6’3″.

Stander EZ Walker is the perfect foldable compact walker for those who want an easy and portable solution to their mobility needs. This walker can be folded up like an umbrella stroller with its collapsible design, making it easy to store and transport.


4. Medline Aluminum Rollator Walker (Best Rollator)

Best Rated Walkers for Seniors - Best Rollator - Medline

Features

  • Colors Available
    • Blue
    • Green
    • Purple
  • Wheels:
  • Handles:
    • Adjustable
    • 31 to 35 inches
  • Foldable
  • Seat
    • Padded
    • 12″ x 12″
  • Padded Backrest
  • Hand Brakes
  • Suitable for Indoor or Outdoor Use 
  • Construction: Aluminum
  • Weight Capacity: 250 lbs

Specifications:

  • Brand: Medline
  • Manufacturer: Medline Industries Healthcare
  • Dimensions:
    • Overall Width: 24.5″
    • Width Between Handles: 17.5″
  • Weight: 14 lbs

Pros

  • Padded Seat
  • Backrest
  • Storage

Cons

  • Engaging Brakes Challenging For Some
  • Seat Height Not Adjustable

A Few Words

Medline Aluminum Rollator Rolling Walker is a wheeled walker that comes with a seat. The seat is perfect for those individuals who find prolonged walking difficult and need to rest.

With its 6″ caster wheels, it’s easy to navigate obstacles and navigate through tight spaces.

The walker has adjustable handles to ensure a proper fit and adjustable grip handles that go from 31 to 35 inches. The padded backrest and padded seat add to the comfort while resting. Do be aware the seat height is not adjustable, and being 12″ x 12″, some people might find it smaller than what fits them comfortably.

The foldable design makes it easy to store and transport.


5. ELENKER (Best Upright Walker)

Best Rated Walkers For Seniors - Elenker - Best Upright Walker

Features:

  • Colors Available
    • Blue
    • Red
  • Seat
    • Adjustable
    • Padded
  • Padded Backrest
  • Forearm Tube: Adjustable
  • Handle Bar: Adjustable
  • Leg Tube: 3 Adjustable Heights
  • Underseat Pouch
  • Recommended User Height:
    • 5’ to 5’11”
  • Construction: Aluminum
  • Anti-tip Over Frame
  • Foldable
  • Wheels:
    • 4
    • 8” Solid PVC Wheels
  • Handbrakes
  • Obstacle Assist Pedal
  • Cane/Umbrella Holder
  • Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
  • 24 Hour Customer Service

Specifications:

  • Brand: ELENKER
  • Manufacturer: ELENKER
  • Dimensions:
    • Overall Dimensions: 29”(L)x25”(W)x39”-45”(H)
    • Seat Dimensions: 19”(L)x14”(D)x21”-24”(H, From The Ground)
  • Product Weight: 22 lbs

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Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Obstacle Assist Pedal
  • Upright

Cons

  • Bulky When Folded
  • Seat Narrow For Some Users

A Few Words

The Elenker Upright Walker keeps you in a standing position allowing for good posture by not having to slouch over that is needed to use some walkers. With an upright walker, you are looking straight ahead and not down at the ground.

With an adjustable seat, padded backrest, and handlebar, this walker is easily adjustable for different heights and individual needs; the user’s recommended height is 5′ to 5’11” and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.

There are a couple of drawbacks to the Elenker. Some users have found that the Elenker is somewhat bulky when folded and challenging to transport in some cars. Some people have found it difficult to use the seat if they have broader shoulders.

Overall, the Elenker is a good choice for a reasonably priced upright walker.


FAQs About Walkers

How do I choose a good walker for seniors?

When it comes to choosing a walker for seniors, it is important to consider a few factors. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the walker is comfortable for your senior. Next, you want to make sure that the walker can handle the weight of your senior. And finally, you want to make sure that the walker is easy to use.

Some walkers come with built-in safety features, such as brakes and a height adjustment. When choosing a walker, be sure to take your senior’s weight, height, and mobility into account.

Will Medicare pay for a walker?

When it comes to Medicare, the answer to this question may depend on your age and health condition. If you are over the age of 65, then a regular walker is likely to be covered. However, if you are under the age of 65 or have a health condition, then a powered walker, scooter or wheelchair may be more appropriate. If you are unsure, it is best to speak with your doctor or Medicare coverage specialist.

Walkers and how to encourage someone to use them!

It can be challenging to get someone to use a walker or rollator, but it can be a success with a little bit of persuasion and some helpful tips! One way to get started is to have them try it out in their own at home. This will help them get a sense of how it feels and how easy it is to use. Additionally, you can try to come up with a specific plan for using the walker or rollator together. This can involve making a schedule and sticking to it, setting boundaries (e.g., no stairs), and ensuring that they are always aware of where the walker or rollator is.


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Conclusion

So that concludes our review of some of the best walkers on the market today. It’s no secret that as we age, our mobility decreases. This can lead to a number of issues, including arthritis, joint stiffness, and falls. Walkers can help ease pain and suffering, and to help the users stay as independent as possible. Whether a basic or wheeled walker it’s important to have a walker that fits the specific needs of the user.

In reading Best Rated Walkers For Seniors, I hope you were able to become informed about the types of walkers and were helped in deciding which might be the best fit for your needs.

Do you have any experience using or buying a walker? Let us know in the comments below.

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