Walking
is healthy. We take it for granted and do not consider the inherent benefit
that it provides of mobility and independence. However as we age, we may
require extra support to walk and to stabilize our steps from one point to
another. A cane is the simple solution and until recently has been just a
classic candy cane form with the choice of material and color as the only
option in design. But fortunately new designs are now on the market that provide
more possibilities for a mobile life.
An
important feature of a contemporary cane is its design to standalone. With this
function, there are no worries about the cane falling down, sliding off chair
backs, or forgetting where you put it. A good example is Tru-Motion Sur-Step
because it has a stable standalone function and a padded flat foot base that
provides traction. Designed by a team of engineers and physical therapists, it
provides security and convenience for the user.
For
travel, there are many companies who manufacture the cane that folds in three
sections. Although most are constructed as a classic cane, there are some which
have a base for the standalone function. The Hurrycane
is designed for free standing and pivoting on its base as well.
Although
the StrongArm Walking Cane cannot stand alone, it does offer an
important support benefit for people who need extra support. It is designed
with a curve on its upper part to support the arm in a brace like effect. This
design offers extra help for those with balance concerns and who could not
easily lift themselves up to reach for a standard cane.
The
stiff straight cane has been an important tool for the blind as they extend it
outward to avoid any physical elements that might impede their walking. Now
there is the SmartCane
and the more expensive UltraCane that have been designed
with ultra sound technology to help mobilize blind people. “As people move the cane from left to right when they walk,
vibrations detected on one side mean they should move towards the other" says
Enter the home walking cane design revolution.
Italian-Singaporean
designers Lanzavecchia + Wai have designed a beautiful and functional
collection of canes for the elderly that are styled with home domestic
function. Together Canes - T-Cane, U-Cane and I-Cane – are all for home
living and not just mobility because they serve multiple functions. They are
part of a series called No Country For
Old Men. Each piece is designed as a support cane and also as a
carrier of something: a tray, a basket, a smartphone platform.
Our physical
independence is tied to our emotional well being. Fortunately there are more
products on the market than ever before that can offer mobility support that
are tailored to our needs. It is not unusual for someone to have multiple
canes; one for outside walks, one for traveling and one or more of the new
fabulous domestic style canes from Lanzavecchia + Wai. While
we are all aging, we can appreciate the choices now in choosing canes that will
support our bodies safely and make our lives so much more comfortable.
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