Tips for Buying a Walking Cane: A Guide for Seniors

Aging is great. It’s called the golden years after all. You get free time to spend with friends and family, pursue hobbies, travel, etc. Admittedly, it’s not all rosy because as you age, so does your body. You start to have problems with your vision, hearing, and mobility. Luckily, there are gadgets and devices to help you out. A walking cane, for example, helps you stay mobile and independent. But with so many different types of canes on the market, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. 

Here are three tips to help you pick the perfect walking cane.

Consider Your Height

If the cane is too short or too tall, it can cause problems with your posture and balance that will lead to falls and injuries.

To pick a cane of the right length, you’ll first need to measure your inseam; which is the distance from your uppermost thigh to your ankle. You can measure yourself with a tape measure, ask a friend or family member to measure you or try on a pair of pants that fit you well and measure that inseam.

Once you have your inseam measurement, you can use a chart online to find out the cane length that’s right for you. Typically, the right cane length is within one inch of half your height. 

Think About Weight

If the cane is too heavy, it will be difficult to maneuver. But if it’s too light, it will not provide enough support and you’ll have to forgo long walks around your assisted living facility, the park, church, etc. 

The best way to find the perfect weight is to try out several different options. Pick up each cane and walk around with it for a few minutes. See how it feels and try to get a sense of how well it supports your weight.

Choose the Right Tip

The tip of the cane is important for two reasons. First, it also helps with balance. Second, it protects the cane from wear and tear as it’s being used to walk on mud, concrete, grass, etc.

There are many different types of tips.

Rubber tips are the most common type of tip. They provide good traction and are great for use on any type of surface. Metal tips are less common but they offer some advantages. They’re typically more durable than rubber tips and provide better traction on slippery surfaces.

There are even spike tips. They offer the best traction on icy or snowy surfaces. However, they can damage floors and be dangerous if used indoors.

These are important things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a walking cane. By considering your height, weight, and needs, you can choose the perfect cane to help you stay mobile and independent.