Have you ever wondered why walkers have only 2 wheels and 2 tennis balls?
@lookatdesktop (27156)
Dallas, Texas
March 18, 2016 7:33pm CST
That's right. I see these people with walkers who have two wheels in the front but two tennis balls on the back legs of their walker.
Why is this?
There are of course, the deluxe models that have 4 wheels, a folding seat, a basket and hand brakes. I think this is more along the lines of what I consider better quality for the elderly who need a way to get around with their bad knees and ankles and hips and so forth.
When you reach 70 or older you might wish you had a well made 4 wheel drive walker, in the state of Texas, where walking is slowly making a comeback.
I see more people walking and using those electric wheel chairs because the city has made ramps that allow safe descending and ascending from the corners of the blocks at intersections.
2 people like this
2 responses
@Morleyhunt (21741)
• Canada
19 Mar 16
My father bought a walker thus summer. He bought a deluxe with four wheels. Teaching him to always set the brake was easier than teaching my mother(who always forgot). Sometimes the wheels make the walker a danger to the senior using them.
2 people like this
@lookatdesktop (27156)
• Dallas, Texas
19 Mar 16
This I have to agree with. Going down hill even just pushing a shopping cart to your car, if you have troubles with your knees can be dangerous. I always hold on to the cart when my wife is walking to the car from the store because sometimes there are inclines or slopes in the parking lot. I steady the cart for her. Her knees are bad and she has osteoporosis.
1 person likes this
@MGjhaud (23228)
• Philippines
19 Mar 16
im using walkers, not because im old but because of my injury. i dont have those kinds of walkers but i was able to use one during one of my therapy sessions in the hospital. its not safe for me as put too much weight on it so im only having rubberfeet on all four..
1 person likes this
@lookatdesktop (27156)
• Dallas, Texas
19 Mar 16
I remember those. You had to pick up the walker every step. No wheels on them. They make all kinds. I guess it depends on who needs them as to what types to purchase.
@MGjhaud (23228)
• Philippines
19 Mar 16
@lookatdesktop ive seen several kinds in a therapy room so i suppose yeah it depends..
1 person likes this
@lookatdesktop (27156)
• Dallas, Texas
22 Mar 16
@MGjhaud Also, I think some kinds are just poorly designed and poorly constructed. Mainly the ones with the tennis balls at the bottom. They look a bit silly and are not that dependable. You would go through many tennis balls over time. Added expense.
