It’s not for me. But was thinking about getting one for my mom so seeking opinions.
Mom is 85 and still quite active. Swims 4 days a week and takes one or two purposeful outdoor walks a day. She probably walks an hour at a time! Anyway, her feet are getting a little wonky and sometimes she is just a little off balance for a step or two. I know she’s not going to stop walking but I do worry about the uneven sidewalks and all and her falling.
I don’t know if this one is too bulky or if I should be looking for some type of feature or whatever. She is NOT hiking, just walking in her neighborhood. She might also use it at the beach if/when she comes to our cottage with us.
Any advice? Might it be more of a hinderance? Suggestions of a different kind??
Abasket - we used hiking poles on a very hilly hike in HI and were grateful to have them. We got ours at Costco. The ones you posed definitely do not look like canes, and the reviews are awesome. I see some seniors about your mom’s age trekking through the city here with similar poles.
FIL had a cane and the nurse at the hospital said “that’s just a stick you spin around on before you fall down”.
He finally got a decent walker.
My aunt got herself a walker before it was pointed out that she was relying on it so much that it severely hindered her balance. And that she was bending over and ruining her posture because of it. She ditched it thankfully.
She’s 91 and doing fine on her own with no aid. Balance is actually a skill that can be practiced.
My dad does great but I worry about him stumbling. He’s better with some balance exercises and new shoes which provide good support. And it is about the shoes sometimes–no sandals with big lips that get caught on an uneven surface, too thick or heavy etc.
Many people use walking sticks that are really lightweight and help stabilize them on uneven terrain.
which looks exactly like what you are suggesting. Just make sure they have good reviews for not collapsing on you!
I bought my sister some hiking sticks for Christmas last year just for walks around her neighborhood. I’m going to get me some!
Those appear to have many good features–adjustable (it’s not a cane–look at appropriate height), light weight, a decent foot. Pretty :).
I have to chime in. My mom bought two ski poles at a garage scale and put those rubber eraser things over the tips and used those for years. Yeah, we’re Scots. RIP, Mom.
Easily adjustable. Black diamond sells various tips for them, snow baskets, etc. I like the feel of the cork handles.
Having said all that…I’ve used them exactly once. They are required for a trip I’m taking to the mountains next year. Week to week with the hiking club? It’s way too flat to need to them. However!!! many of the older set in our hiking club use them every single hike and will tell you it’s more comfortable to use 2 vs. 1.
I’d vote for a review of your mom’s footwear as well, to make sure there isn’t a better, more stable option for her she may not be aware of.
I hope my kids watch out for me when I’m your mom’s age!
Thank you @Midwest67 ! She will keep exercising if it takes her down! It’s just part of who she is and what she needs.
Didn’t think about 2 vs 1 though they often come in twos it seems. I guess she could see what feels best to her! Adjustable will be important too to get a good fit - she is on the short side.
As a hiker, a volunteer at a national park, and a world traveler, I can tell you that hiking poles are all the rage with the boomers. In the Alps it was ‘in’. Even walking on the road. We do sell nice carved walking sticks at the park but they are singular and usually they pick too short or too tall ones. The hiking poles allow some experimentation to what height is good and you look like you are training for the alps even if you happen to be in a city.
Also get the foldable or telescoping light weight ones that you can carry easily. Definitely 2 not 1.
Leki makes excellent hiking poles. I use two these days when hiking or on uneven terrain. I found that using only one pole caused stress to my shoulder and that side of my neck.
I have trekking poles and love them, especially when hiking in the woods and canyons where the terrain is uneven, or wet and muddy. They give just enough balance assistance to allow me to hike and climb where I couldn’t without them.
I second the suggestion to make sure her shoes are supportive - maybe even up around her ankles. I love my hiking boots since my ankles seem to twist easily if I step on an uneven foothold and they give my foot and ankle firm support.
I travel quite a bit and frequently see older travelers, my guess is 75 and up, using 1 or 2 trekking poles in lieu of a cane. I do a lot of hiking and have collapsible poles that travel with me in my carry-on for the treks I make.
Thanks for all the discussion and suggestions - the article was very helpful. I’ll have to tell my mom walking sticks are what all the cool kids are using!! She will like that!
But was thinking about getting one for my mom so seeking opinions.
