by Sherrin Griffin VP, Operations, Sidney SeniorCare –
Before the holidays, one of our savvy senior readers gave me a great tip on a mobility device that I didn’t know existed, one that could possibly benefit my own father whose mobility has been compromised recently. My enlightening chat with her made me realize that many seniors may not be aware of what’s available out there in terms of mobility aids. What was even more disconcerting, though, was that her personal observations from her own peer group underlined what I had already suspected in my experience with my father: that many seniors are resistant to using mobility aids for fear that they may appear weak, vulnerable, and, yes, “old.”
While a cane appears to be viewed as an acceptable, unobtrusive walking aid, there may come a time when a cane is no longer deemed a safe or effective option, and more support and/or stability is required. Walkers may be the next logical step and provide great support for those suffering from arthritis, hip and back problems, and respiratory issues that affect endurance. Walkers can help seniors maintain a more active lifestyle by providing a safe way to stay mobile.
With better mobility and more overall independence being the end goal, it seems logical to embrace the walker for its ability to keep us upright and moving. It’s not quite that simple though….. While the cane is a pretty subtle aid, the walker is definitely more ‘there’, leaving many seniors feeling self-conscious and conspicuous; with potentially negative impacts on their mental health, pride and sense of self. According to my senior reader, and witnessed first-hand with my own parents, unfortunately, some would even rather risk a fall than be seen using a walker.
That same senior reader suggested, and I whole-heartedly agree, that perhaps we need to reframe our perception, and even our language, surrounding these types of mobility aids. She suggested that we refer to them as mobility “tools” rather than “aids.” Where the word “aid” infers the user is somewhat dependent on the device, the word “tool” relays more positive connotations of a more independent, informed choice. Perception is indeed a powerful sense, with the ability to influence one’s thoughts, feelings and actions. If we could somehow change the way that seniors perceive these mobility devices, many may be more inclined to use them.
Of course, this change in perception must start with how we as a society view seniors and how we value them as an integral part of family and the broader community. Ageism is still a problem these days, along with the assumption that all older people are frail and helpless – a common, incorrect stereotype. Seniors’ needs aren’t always respected or recognized, and older people can feel devalued and less important than younger people. With many seniors already feeling uncertain about their place in society, showing further vulnerability by having to be dependent on a mobility device doesn’t help them feel any better about themselves. One can’t help but wonder that if we worked harder as a society to hold seniors in higher esteem and make them feel more valued members of the community, then they might feel more comfortable accepting assistance, including mobility tools such as walkers that will help to increase their overall independence.
Viewing ageing as a more positive, even revered, process could go a long way towards improving seniors’ frame of mind so that they could honestly, and without shame, evaluate their own unique mobility level and embrace the mobility tool that is right for them. Teaser alert: tune in next month where I’ll reveal the super cool mobility device that my senior reader told me all about!
