Creative Solutions When Walking is Difficult
When life’s playground begins to get smaller because of poor balance, fatigue, or even a sprained ankle, there is equipment made especially for the person who eschews a wheelchair or walker yet could use some support. Sooner or later, walking is difficult for almost everyone, so let’s review some practical – and fun – solutions.
I have always loved walking, especially along wooded paths and on sandy beaches. But, unfortunately, diseases and aging that affect balance and stamina visited my life and I have to adjust when walking is difficult.
If you are like me and your goal is to get from point A to point B and keep your butt off the floor simultaneously, then I have good news for you.
Not only is it possible, but it can also be a lot of fun! And let’s throw out the term ‘assistive device’ – a helpful word only on insurance forms.
Assistive devices as companions
Our lives are full of assistive devices – we call them forks and knives, wheels, baskets, and WD40.
My preferred term of reference is ‘companion,’ and ever since I was handed a walker to use in my early 20’s, I learned the only way I could have a relationship with something so ugly was to name it.
The name came from a tombstone in an old cemetery of a woman who died over 200 years ago. Her name was Mehitable Hazard and was perfect for this rigid, stiff-legged companion who was beside me everywhere. When I used a wheelchair, I fondly dubbed her Helen (Hell-on) Wheels. Might as well, I thought, give this stuff a name if it will be such an intimate part of my life.
Ugly canes
There was a time when it was a matter of distinction to carry a classy walking stick, perhaps with a gold head and hidden compartment for some aged Scotch whiskey. Today, what is offered is another story.
A cane may be ergonomically perfected of materials that weigh next to nothing. Great and practical.
And ugly.
No wonder people don’t want to use them when walking is difficult. One of my favorite walking sticks was an old-fashioned wooden cane that someone had painted light blue and then covered with white daisies. It was a conversation starter wherever I went. I confess that cane was my only companion that never had a name. There are still places that hand-carve works of art that are so delightful it takes all the focus off why someone may need to use them, and they become something to share like a fine painting. Click here for some examples.
Better solutions when walking is difficult
Here are some of the other ‘companions’ that have kept me going and may help you or a loved one do the same, companions not everyone may know about. (Please note that I do not profit as an affiliate by sharing this information. I have used every piece of equipment I write about and can attest to its life-altering value.)
My first upgrade from Mehitable, the rickety walker with stiff legs, is one I called “the Goat’ for it goes anywhere. In the snow on mountain paths, across rocky beaches, and through not a few airports. I probably misnamed it, for I can pack it like a llama with a picnic lunch, binoculars, a book or two, and then pull out a seat to enjoy the scenery. For more info check out the Trionic Veloped
The Afari, a recently developed “walking bike,” supports me while standing tall as I take on the world. Balance issues are a no-brainer with the Afari, giving me the freedom and safety to watch eagles soaring overhead without falling on my butt. It travels over beaches as well as gravel paths, and I can carry on a conversation with a fellow walker without fear of stumbling, even if my feet do unexpected things. The Afari (mine is named Alfie) folds up easily and fits in the trunk. I love Alfie because he is an incredible energy saver. More miles to the gallon, so to speak. Learn more about it HERE
What is an Alinker?
Handy indoors and out, the Alinker was conceived in the Netherlands by a woman named Be Alink whose unsteady mother said “I will never use a walker,” even as she was getting more unstable on her feet.
So enter the ‘Alinker,’ a top-quality walking bike I can sit on while paddling either one foot or two, at eye level with everyone else. It opens the door to worlds that seem unavailable when fatigue, pain, imbalance, or weakness make themselves known. Learn more about the Alinker here.
There is now a large community of “Alinkers” who meet online, use their new companions in exercise classes, explore their worlds inside and out, and even enter athletic competitions. These are people who otherwise might have to use a wheelchair but now sit tall with the rest of the world, shopping, traveling abroad, going to museums, or just around the block.
Oh, did I also say the Alinker is FUN?! I used mine at a church yard sale in a large parking lot with people wanting to buy it out from under me!
This equipment isn’t cheap, but one of the goals of the Alinker company is to get it approved for medical insurance. So they are on their way!
When walking is difficult – Sit
OK, I confess I am a junkie of sorts, especially when it comes to living life fully, which for me means getting out there in the world. So the last bike I want to share is a three-wheeled recumbent bike. I had one like the one in this picture and sold it to a man in his 80’s who does several miles a day in our neighborhood, smiling broadly all the way. Why would I do that when I could be feeling the wind in my hair and not ever have to worry about falling over with this bike, called a TerraTrike? Selling it is how I was able to afford Goldie, my Alinker. Explore your freedom here.
So now you know my obsession with life. I want to get from point A to point B and experience all that life offers. Someday I may return to ‘Helen Wheels’. She sits parked behind Alfie, Goldie, and the Goat. And when she is my last resort, I will sit in gratitude for a life not limited by challenges but inspired by them.
(If you like this article, you may enjoy “How to Accept an Assistive Device with Grace.”)
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