When Should a Loved One Use a Walking Stick? Nine Reasons for Safety and Independence

The prevalence of walking stick use among older adults varies depending on several factors, such as location, culture, and health status. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, approximately 40% of older adults living in the community use a mobility aid, such as a walking stick, cane, or walker. 

However, this figure can vary widely depending on the age group, with older adults over the age of 85 being more likely to use a mobility aid than those between 65-74 years of age. Additionally, older adults with specific health conditions, such as arthritis or balance problems, are likelier to use a walking stick or other mobility aid.

Older adults or those with mobility problems may benefit from using a walking stick for several reasons. First, a walking stick can help distribute weight more evenly and provide additional stability while walking, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, using a walking stick can reduce the impact on joints and muscles, particularly in the legs, hips, and lower back, making it easier and less painful to walk longer distances or on uneven surfaces.

Moreover, a walking stick can help improve balance and confidence, allowing individuals to maintain their independence and engage in daily activities, such as shopping or visiting friends and family, without relying on others for assistance. 

There are several situations when an older family member (or yourself) may benefit from using a walking stick of some type.

When Should You or Your Loved One Use a Walking Stick?

1. Holding on to walls/furniture/other people

When you are up and about, do you or your loved one reach out for the nearest wall or piece of furniture? This is often called "furniture surfing."

Some people must link arms with friends or family when walking. These are signs that you need a bit more support. In some ways, it's like having an extra leg! A walking stick could provide support and help maintain independence.

2. Walking with feet wider apart

If you notice you or a loved one walking with feet wider apart than in the past, this is a sign that the body is trying to be more stable. Your body naturally increases its base of support, as something with a wider base is less likely to fall over than something with a narrow base. What a clever body you have! But it is a clear sign that you need extra support, and a walking stick could do the job. 

3. Losing balance/falling over

Falls are one of the biggest concerns older adults must be concerned with. Falls or losing balance and almost falling is something many older adults experience. This can be very scary. It's a sign that an individual's balance isn't quite what it was. When this starts to happen, it is a good time to consider using a walking stick. The stick acts as another contact with the ground, helping someone be more stable. 

Also, be sure to communicate with a doctor if you or a loved one has been falling over or losing balance. They can help and be sure it is not connected to another more significant health issue.

4. Loss of confidence/fear of falls

Many older adults have a fear of falling, and this fear is understandable. Nobody wants to fall and hurt themselves, and family members want to ensure their loved ones are safe in their homes or as they get out. This is a pervasive fear, especially if someone has had falls or near misses in the past. 

A walking stick can help someone have more confidence when up and about - and a bit more confidence can make a world of difference! Also, having a mobility assessment with a physiotherapist is a great way of reducing your risk of falls and finding out whether a mobility aid might help you.

5. Tripping over on uneven ground

Many older adults have little mobility problems on solid ground, but their fear increases when walking on uneven ground. A walking stick that can fold up and be placed in a bag might be a good idea. You never know when you or a loved one may face a situation where the extra balance would be helpful. For example, uneven paving slabs on pavements are a real hazard and a worry for many people! A bit of extra support from a stick could come in handy. 

6. Lack of sensation in your feet

There are several reasons why some people, especially when they age, lack sensation in their feet. This lack of sensation can cause balance problems and increase the risk of falls. Things like nerve damage from diabetes, poor circulation, infections, vitamin deficiencies, injuries, and general aging are all culprits. 

Using a walking stick provides sensory feedback - it makes it easier to feel where the ground is in relation to you. So, for example, feeling where the ground is through the stick means that you can adjust your feet if the ground raises up, so you don't trip. 

A walking stick will add extra safety if you or a loved one suffers from this problem.

7. Pain

Anyone with leg or lower back pain already knows that taking some weight off the legs can ease some of the pain. Using a walking stick can reduce the weight you are bearing through the legs and reduce the strain on the joints. 

However, sometimes people misuse the walking stick. It's best to hold the walking stick on the opposite side of the painful leg. See 'how to use a cane the right way' for detailed instructions and videos on how to safely walk with a cane (walking stick). 

8. Weakness 

Sometimes someone's legs feel weak. Many people experience feeling wobbly and worrying about their legs giving way. A walking stick could provide that extra bit of support you need. The other thing to do for weak, wobbly legs is to do exercises to strengthen the muscles. Try to get the help of a Physiotherapist so they can show you or a loved one the right exercises to help. 

9. Fatigue 

Feeling exhausted? Low energy levels can make it challenging to get around. Using a walking stick will help someone conserve energy, so they struggle less when walking. This will allow the person to save energy so they can do important things, including having fun! You can even get walking sticks with seats attached now! When choosing a stick, getting the balance right between something light enough to carry around but sturdy enough to support you is important.

Walking Sticks are Not for Everyone

Please bear in mind that walking sticks aren't for everyone. You or a loved one may need a bit more support than a walking stick can provide. If that is the case, that's ok. 

Take the 'what mobility aid is right for me' quiz to find out which type of mobility aid might suit you or a loved one the best.