Watching someone you care about struggle to get around can feel like a gut punch, especially when they’re just on the edge of needing some help. It’s like listening to a child learn to play the piano, they get those first few notes right and then it all falls apart. Inside your head you’re thinking, “You’re almost there! You got it!” but after a while you realize that this kiddo did not get The Mozart Gene and won’t be winning any reality talent shows in the future (at least not for piano).

Falls are no joke for older adults though. They're actually the leading cause of injury among seniors. A good walker can help. It can provide stability to prevent those dangerous falls while simultaneously expanding an elderly person's world. The right mobility aid can mean the difference between being confined to a favorite armchair and confidently strolling through the garden or joining family for dinner out. I've seen countless patients learn to love their walkers because it helps them get on with their life.

A Quick Overview on Walkers

There are three main types of walkers, each with it’s own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s what we’re dealing with:

Standard Walkers This is your basic model without wheels. It is the most stable of all models but requires a certain amount of upper body strength because you have to pick the whole thing up and set it down each time you take a step.

Two-Wheeled Walkers Similar to a standard walker but with two wheels in the front. As a result, it’s not as stable as a standard walker but you don’t have to lift it up with each step.

Four-Wheeled Walkers (aka Rollators) These are the easiest to move around and typically have a seat and storage built in. They’re heavier than the other two options but the glide like buttah on most surfaces.

How We Chose

There are a lot of articles out there that claim to have found The Best Walkers on the market but I’m not going to insult your intelligence. As a registered nurse, I've helped hundreds of seniors and their families find and use tools to improve their mobility and safety. As a result, I know that while some models are better than others, what’s best for one person is not going to be the best for someone else.

I spent several hours (yes hours) looking at clinical research articles and trusted review sites like Consumer Reports and the National Council on Aging. I looked at customer feedback on sites like Amazon and Google because let’s be honest, if a million people love or hate something, there’s got to be a reason. Finally I looked at whats on the market regardless of who sells it and made some judgement calls based on my own experience as a nurse working with these things in the real world. Here are some of the things I was looking for:

• Wheels Standard walkers have a purpose but I’ve found most senior benefit from at least two wheels.

• Stability Is it well made and strong enough to make someone confident using it?

• Seating Does it have a seat to allow a senior to take a break if they get tired?

• Hand Brake Brakes are essential for walkers that have wheels for the same reason you want one on your bike.

I also considered features like portability, wheel size, adjustability, and comfort to help you make an informed decision. Are these the best walkers out there? Who knows? If you were my friend and you asked me to give you a list of recommendations, this would be it.