Moving Freely: The Latest in Mobility Aids for Seniors

It’s no surprise that as our bodies age, it can get more difficult to get around like we used to. When the aches and pains of life make it hard to maintain your independence or to care for a loved one, it’s time to consider the newest tools available for making mobility easier to achieve.

While everyone knows about the benefits of traditional wheelchairs, canes, and even hanging “trapeze” handles for getting out of bed or a chair, there are even more innovative products now available to aid in mobility.

For example:

1. The Handybar

If you find yourself struggling to get out of the car, or constantly having to pull on your car door, this small, simple handle could make a difference. Easy to remove with a single twist but sturdy enough when locked into place to give you the leverage you need, the Handybar fits more than 170 million vehicles.

2. The BeasyTrans

Also for the automobile, but designed for caregivers needing to transfer a person in an out of a car, the BeasyTrans creates a solid bridge between the car seat and a wheelchair, allowing a person to slide easily out of the vehicle without pressure and friction on his or her back. A disk-shaped seat slides from one end of the Beasy to the other, and rotates 360 degrees, making it easy to position someone getting out of a car.

3. GreatCall Splash

Personal medical alert devices have come a long way and are more affordable than ever. The GreatCall Splash is mobile, waterproof, and includes GPS tracking features. It can be charged with a “drop in” charging station that requires no cables, and is slim and stylish. With a loud, clear speaker, a senior can be immediately connected to agents that can assist in an emergency anywhere in the U.S. You can even purchase a small wristband for the device, ensuring that it’s with you at all times, even in the shower.

4. The Grip‘n Grab

People of all ages can benefit from this device that acts as an extension to your arm. With a long, extendable arm and rubber clasping pincers on one end, seniors can use this device to reach items high up, or to retrieve items that have fallen in small places. It can also reduce the amount of stooping and bending one must do in his or her home or yard. With a trigger-like mechanism to control the grabbers, it can be particularly helpful for people suffering from arthritis.

5. 3-Wheel Scooter

If you’re considering investing in a scooter, it doesn’t have to be a boring vehicle devoid of style or personality. Know that there are viagra numerous options for fun, stylish versions readily available. Looking more like a Vespa motor bike than a mobility scooter, vehicles like the E-Wheels EW-85 Jellybean Electric 3 Wheel Scooter come in fun colors and styles.

6. Step-in Tubs

Getting in and out of a bathtub can be especially nerve-wracking and dangerous as we get older. However, today’s step-in bathtubs allow you or your loved one to take a nice, relaxing bath without the worry of stepping over a slippery surface. These tubs feature a convenient door on the side of the tub for entering and exiting, and a bench for more vertical sitting. Many of today’s home improvement stores have these available online, making them even easier to find the right tub for your home.

Megan Hammons

Megan Hammons lives in the Central Texas countryside just outside of Austin, pursuing her love for copywriting after a career in high-tech marketing. She is part of a large, diverse family and enjoys spending time with the multiple generations living in her community.