The Upright Walker vs. Standard Rollator

Traditional walkers and rollators can certainly benefit those with limited mobility or who fatigue quickly while walking, completing daily tasks, or staying active. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, making life a lot easier for those who really need them. However, there are some disadvantages to long-term use that can be a risk to physical and mental health. Fortunately, there’s a solution. Keep reading to see the Upright Walker vs. Rollator, learn about obstacles you may face, and decide which might be a better option for you.

Cons to Traditional Walkers & Rollators

While these mobility aids provide many benefits to users with decreased or limited maneuverability, there are some disadvantages you should consider.

Poor Posture

The design of traditional walkers or rollators require the user to hunch, slouch, and roll shoulders forward as they operate the walking aid. This promotes poor posture that disportionately distributes body weight leading to shoulder, neck, lower back pain, joint degeneration and discomfort. Bad posture can also hinder one's lung capacity and the ability to breathe efficiently.  As we age, gravity tends to work against our bodies and it becomes more difficult to avoid these bad habits.

Learn More About Good vs. Bad Posture Here

Downward Line of Sight

The poor posture that naturally occurs when positioned to use a standard walker or rollator will also affect the user's line of sight. Slouched or hunched shoulders will angle your head, neck, and eyes towards the ground. Lifting your eyes to see will cause forward neck posture. This can be dangerous as potential threats up ahead can go unnoticed until it is too late.

Excess Pressure

Since the handlebars are positioned in line with your hips they bear the weight of your upper body. This excess pressure on vulnerable joints often leads to pain, discomfort and increased fatigue located in your back, neck, wrists and hands. These factors can pose both immediate dangers, like falls, as well long term health issues; such as joint and muscle degeneration.

Traditional walkers require the use of upper body strength and can be difficult to use safely with limited or decreasing strength. This will only exacerbate poor posture and the risk and fear of falling.

The Solution: Upright Walkers

If you’re going to use your walker or rollator long-term you may want to consider an Upright Walker instead. Not only do these mobility aids include all the perks of a traditional rollator, the relatively new design helps to resolve complaints while offering many advantages to the user.

The Best Upright Walker Benefits

The Upright Walker was designed to address the most common complaints and health risks posed by a standard rolling walker. The upright position of this walking aid requires the user to stand up straight, reduces fatigue, and provides more stability along with overall comfortability. Here are the benefits of using an Upright Rollator Walker.

• Keeps Head and Eyes Gazed Forward

  By positioning the user upright, this walker keeps your head up and eyes gazed forward, making it easier to navigate obstacles ahead.

• Improves Posture

  The Upright Walker requires the user to stand up tall and rest forearms and elbows on raised, padded, armrests, opposed to the wrists at hip level. This upright position keeps the chest and shoulders back and helps to eliminate poor posture.

• Reduces Pain

  By improving posture, using the Upright Rollator Walker also helps to relieve muscle tension, joint pain, reduced circulation, and back pain.

• Increases Stability

  A traditional rollator requires the user to lean forward to move in a desired direction. This takes both strength and coordination that results in fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents. The upright positioning, with high armrests, gives the user both balance and stability to easily propel and navigate the walker by simply stepping forward.

• Reduces Excess Pressure on Neck and Wrists

  By providing support under the forearms we’ve eliminated the need to apply excess pressure to the hands and wrists. 

• Provides More Comfort and Support

  The Upright Walker was designed to be more comfortable for users than traditional rollators or 3-wheel walkers. The upright positioning, padded and adjustable height armrest, easily accessible hand brakes, and optional seating with backrest makes this mobility aid one of the most comfortable on the market.

• Increased Confidence and Independence

  One of the most greatest benefits of using an Upright Walker is the increased confidence and independence that users experience. With reduced pain, better posture, increased stability, and upright positioning it’s much easier to keep active.

Other Included Features

Upgrade to an Upright Walker

Both the Upright Walker and Traditional Rollator make great mobility aids for those who need more support navigating through their daily life. However, the Upright Walker was designed to compensate for the disadvantages one may face while using a standard walker and improve overall quality of life. Regardless, after learning more about the two types of mobility devices you should have the confidence to choose which aid will better suit your needs.