Accepting your walker, emotionally

mammyyoder

mammyyoder

New Member
Hello! I am 78 years old, take care of myself but in the last 8 years had a hip/arm broken due to a neighbor's dog, another hip broken due to entanglement of a leash with another dog, broken wrist, broken nose. DUH, time to get a walker which I did last November (2024) This walker has 12" front wheels and is all terrain (Amazon)
What I love about it is adjustable height/and brake wires within frame. Anyway, hard part was accepting the fact that I feel like an old feeble woman. But then I thought, let's make this funny. So when anyone asks, I tell them I need the walker due to an old go-go dancing injury. It always gets a laugh. My question is: how have you reconciled yourself emotionally to the need of a medical aid?
 

Welcome, @mammyyoder! I don't use any mobility aids but my mother did. I remember her being loath to use her cane in a store or restaurant, or even at my house if non-family guests were also here. When I questioned her about it, she said she didn't want to embarrass me with her frailty. I assured her that it didn't embarrass me and that nobody looks askance at an 80-something year old using a cane.

When she needed a walker it was understandably emotionally difficult for her at first, but she adjusted.

Don't you find it odd that anyone outside your medical team would question you, a 78 year old, about using a walker? If you were 16, maybe. But 78?
 

Its not unusual to feel the way you do.
But people can get used to anything over time.
I had developed a falling problem because I had untreated type 2 diabetes. I was lucky to have a walker in the house from when my wife was alive.
Once I got on insulin, my legs improved to where I can walk without an aid.
But I always have the walker and a wheelchair I bought then in case I ever develop an issue again.
I don't keep good balance bending over so I bought a pair of slip-on shoes and I stand at my walker to hold on while I slip into the shoes.
My father and sister were/are in a nursing home so I had a lot of experience thinking about what my future could be.
 
Last edited:
Well, I have to catheterize myself in order to go. Try doing that in a stadium men's room on game day. I can walk short distances with a cane, but use a walker in winter. Mostly I use a non-electric wheel chair. I guess I've accepted it emotionally. I don't think about what others feel. Strangely, when I'm in the wheelchair, I get people, who want to help me, whether I need it or not.
 
mammyyoder said:
how have you reconciled yourself emotionally to the need of a medical aid?
Click to expand...
A year or two ago I woke up all kind of dizzy and after a few days staying home I received my order for a pair of hiking sticks, and I used those for a couple weeks when I went out to walk.

I can't say I was successful at emotional adjustment, somehow using one hiking stick on an actual hike through the woods feels normal, but using two sticks walking around on paved walkways made me feel self-conscious and almost embarrassed.

I wish I felt better about it because sometimes when I'm on a walk I find myself on a steep-ish slope down and wish I had a stick.
 
HoneyNut said:
A year or two ago I woke up all kind of dizzy and after a few days staying home I received my order for a pair of hiking sticks, and I used those for a couple weeks when I went out to walk.

I can't say I was successful at emotional adjustment, somehow using one hiking stick on an actual hike through the woods feels normal, but using two sticks walking around on paved walkways made me feel self-conscious and almost embarrassed.

I wish I felt better about it because sometimes when I'm on a walk I find myself on a steep-ish slope down and wish I had a stick.
Click to expand...
I've seen people, young ones, using two ski poles in the hiking trails. I would feel great emotionally using those, but they would offer no real support indoors. I like the idea that your walker is height adjustable. None of my mom's are.

@mammyyoder ,I would cope badly with the emotional end of using a walker. I see myself as a fitness fiend but I do have accidents, that's for sure. I love your story about go go dancing. I hope you enjoy it here and decide to stay. :)
 
StarSong said:
Welcome, @mammyyoder! I don't use any mobility aids but my mother did. I remember her being loath to use her cane in a store or restaurant, or even at my house if non-family guests were also here. When I questioned her about it, she said she didn't want to embarrass me with her frailty. I assured her that it didn't embarrass me and that nobody looks askance at an 80-something year old using a cane.

When she needed a walker it was understandably emotionally difficult for her at first, but she adjusted.

Don't you find it odd that anyone outside your medical team would question you, a 78 year old, about using a walker? If you were 16, maybe. But 78?
Click to expand...
no one has. but I get "looks". I do no look 78,much younger. Actually funny story. Down the street is a 7/11 and I take my walker down there with a Main st. I have never sooo many people wanting to hold that heavy door for me. The "looks" I get are from the people who act like getting older is something they don't want to face. Me, I am adapting as things come up and are grateful.
 
Welcome to our forum!
4.jpeg

I have been using a Rollator walker for 7 years now. Actually I have 2. One I don't take outside. I would be lost without it. It gave me back my independence. I love the fact that I can put my purse in the seat and don't have to worry about anyone trying to grab it. Makes my life so much easier. I don't think people even think about why I use one. It doesn't matter to them.
 
@mammyyoder - Welcome to our group. If the day comes I need a mobility device, I will use it without concern of what people think. Those who know me won't think any less of me, and it doesn't make me any difference what people I don't know may think.
Mack from Texas

e0bd2d3e5a5b6ffed72647f22b0201fa.jpg
 
I never go out to walk, even in the neighborhood, without my aluminum hiking pole. Last year, after falling down three times in two weeks, I decided to swallow my pride and use the pole. I haven't fallen down since. It's like having a third leg to balance me.

Now when I go hiking, I use both of my hiking poles. No problems there, because I see young'uns using them, too. Besides, it helps with endurance as well as balance.

The older I get, the less I care about looking like an old lady....I AM an old lady.
 
I began using a walker occasionally in the house about a year ago.
First thing in the morning getting out of bed is mandatory,
along with getting out of my lift chair.

Prior to that I was and am still occasionally using a cane .
I keep one and a grabber in the car.

I have good days now and then when I don't use anything.

I am not embarrassed in the least to use aids.

I have grabbers strategically placed all over the house,
and I use that sock thingy to put my socks on.

Ain't too proud, I'm thankful that they're available.
They help me stay in my home.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top