Have you ever been out and suddenly felt dizzy? Even had what people call ‘a funny turn’ and had to sit down? Or have you ever suddenly felt a feeling akin to motion sickness and found it difficult to stand or move?
All these issues can be the result of age or poor mobility. Many of the most common medical conditions affecting older adults cause mobility issues, and if they don’t then the treatments given to reduce the symptoms can also lead to dizzy spells and other issues.
So, as we age, we often find that the situations listed above have become increasingly common, and that can lead to a lack of confidence. You might think that it’s better to stay home than risk having issues while you’re out, and it can have a serious impact on other areas of your life too.
For example, increasing numbers of older workers have left the job market in 2023 due to illness and disability. This can include mobility issues that make it harder for you to walk or spend time on your feet.
When you’re at home, you can create the perfect set-up that works for you, complete with all the mobility aids you like using, especially with the help of businesses like Bosshard Medical. Out and about, you won’t have access to everything that’s built into your home, and might find you have to navigate steps, ramps or uneven surfaces, all of which can make you even more unsteady on your feet.
To help, you should consider carrying portable mobility aids with you at all times, either in the car or even in a bag- some are that small! Here’s our list of the top portable mobility aids to consider for short trips away from home.
Table of Contents
A Rollator Or Walker
Some form of walker or rollator can help you to keep your balance and provide a safety net as you’re walking, so it’s worth considering one. A walker doesn’t usually have wheels, so it is ideal for those with a lot of core upper-body strength who just need some occasional assistance. Rollators are like walkers, but with wheels on every leg, which makes them better for those with greater mobility needs. If you’re exploring these options, consider a modern-style rollator from Rollz Mobility. Both stylish and practical, this range of rollators is perfect for anyone who needs steadying while walking but doesn’t want a cumbersome mobility aid.
A Collapsable Walking Stick
For minor emergencies or if you can’t use your walker or rollator, a walking stick is an ideal alternative. Carrying a full-size stick with you everywhere you go can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a large car or want to use public transport. Thankfully, there are many collapsible walking sticks available that can fold up small enough to fit into a handbag or pocket. No one wants their walking stick to bend while it’s holding them up, so you should always check the joints to make sure they’re strong enough to hold you. Collapsable sticks come in a range of styles and colours, with some even having flower patterns or unique handles, so you can find one that matches your style and can be conveniently added to your ensemble if the need arises.
A Cane Or Rollator Seat
If you’re feeling dizzy or have to wait in line, you might want to sit down, so a portable chair can come in handy. Carrying a camping or deck chair with you is a bit excessive and means you’ve got something else to lug about, which is why one that attaches to something you’re already using is ideal. Many rollators come with the option of adding a seating platform, which can be raised to reveal extra carrying space for shopping and other essential items. If you don’t have a rollator or have chosen a smaller option without a seat, then you can consider a walking stick with a chair attachment. These handy canes will mean that you’re never without a seat when you need one.
A Foldable Mobility Scooter
When you just can’t walk, or are too tired to make the entire trip, a mobility scooter could be a perfect solution, but a full-size one can be heavy and take up almost all the boot space in your car. Thankfully, there are many portable mobility scooters that fold up into compact carry cases, so you can easily tuck them under a seat in your car. All you need to do is make sure the battery is charged before you set off on your trip, then you’re good to go. You can take the scooter out if you need it and fold it away when you’re done. Most have a relatively long range and can help you when you’re taking short trips and don’t feel able to walk all the way. Mobility scooters are great for those who are travelling alone or with others who aren’t able to push them in a manual wheelchair, as they are electric and require no pushing. Make sure you try them out before you make your selection, so you know you’re comfortable controlling the scooter in public.
A Portable Ramp
Not every store or eatery has wheelchair or mobility scooter access, and many across the UK have at least one small step or an uneven surface that you’re expected to cross to enter. These can be impossible to navigate if you’re on wheels; even a rollator will be hard to lift over even the smallest of steps or gaps. For these situations, you could carry a foldable ramp, which you can lay down over the step and then wheel yourself over. Once you’ve used it, you can fold the ramp back up and stash it in the storage cubby on your wheelchair, mobility scooter or rollator. These ramps are great for places that don’t have their own, or if you don’t know if they have one. Most of them are lightweight and easy to carry, so you can take them everywhere you go.
Even those with mobility difficulties can get around safely with the right support. All you need is a little confidence, and mobility aids can help. These are some of the best options for when you’re out and about on a short trip away from home.
