Walking sticks in "tottery" in old age

Well sometimes it’s choosing the lesser of two evils. She’s probably right in that you will come to rely on it and lose a bit of tone.

On the other hand, if you feel more confident with a stick you’ll probably walk more and in places you might otherwise avoid. And if (which might happen if you’re feeling a bit wobbly) you have a fall you’ll lose plenty of muscle tone having to rest till you heal.

I’d use whatever I needed to keep on walking as much as I could on a daily basis.

I totally agree with Luckygirl and others.
I had a hip replacement at New Year so have NHS sticks at present but I asked my DC for good ergonomic and lightweight walking poles for Christmas and they are excellent.

Prevention is better than cure!
Enjoy your carefree walking.

Better to use a stick if you have poor balance than to fall and break something ... then you really would be in a pickle.

When I realised I would need a stick when out walking I vowed to do this with my head held high ... both literally and metaphorically. I keep my back up straight, and also feel unembarrassed.

I can recommend Flexifoot for sticks. Bright, colourful, wrist strap, foldable .. and above all else, safer ... they have a rubber "concertina" ferrule that both acts as a shock absorber and keeps the base of the ferrule flat to the ground and secure when going up or downhill.

ExDancer your chair based instructor needs shooting . I am 66 and used a walking stick since I was 29 without I would fall more than I already do. I go to 2 exercise classes sit fit on Monday and move it or lose it on Tuesday . Lot of us use a walking stick to get about and a couple in my sit fit classes need to use a 3 wheeled walker when outside . Must stay your instructor is being negligent in saying that . How old is she ? Since I started to exercise in 2018 I have had instructors range from 20's and my now instructors are both just over 60. All have said the same thing use what you need to get about safely either a stick ,walker or crutches but whatever you need to be safe . I spent years in a wheelchair as it was the safest way to get about as our children where 4 and 6 months when my health and mobile got worse and it means we could be a normal family as my husband said.

Use a walking stick it's far better than falling and breaking a limb..

Merlotgran I agree totally it’s not up to your teacher you are 86 and need a little help to feel secure your husband is right

I would go against those saying use Nordic walking sticks you d look daft walking down the high street with them They are very tall and are used in a certain way and certainly fine for the 2 mile walk Granmatto speaks of but not for trotting around the shops
Use your new folding jazzy stick with pride your teacher is wrong and your husband is right Teacher is looking at it as constant use you are looking at it as a help when out alone

I’m no expert but I would have thought using a stick and walking with confidence is better for muscle tone than tottering along taking care not to fall.

Yes, two walking poles.

They help you to look purposeful rather than in need of support.

If you need a stick, use a metal surgical one from the NHS as it makes you look as if you have a temporary orthopaedic problem rather than looking like an old person in need of a stick. They are more sturdy too.
That's my theory, anyway!

Her argument is that its better to use your muscles rather than let them waste away, and relying on a stick will lead to muscle wastage.
🤔 I'm not sure about her thoughts on that. You may well exercise your muscles more if you use a stick as it would give you more confidence.

Far better to use an aid than to fall.

I use 2 walking poles on any walk of over a couple of miles. They really help both support and balance and to test the depth of puddles!

ExDancer , with respect to your chair based exercise teacher he/ she is probably not 86! Do use a stick if it gives you confidence and stops any wobbles. The teacher may have a point, however a little muscle wastage is far preferable to a fall that could result in a broken hip, ankle or arm !!
Using a stick ( make sure it is the correct height and Google how to use it) there is a correct way ! A stick will enable you to walk further and remain healthy. Enjoy and good luck.

ExDancer

I'm 86. I find I'm losing my balance when walking and sometimes stagger a bit, as though I'm drunk, although I don't actually fall.
My husband suggests I try using a walking stick, but the lady who runs the Chair-Based exercise class I attend says NOT, as I'll become dependant on it and lose muscle tone.
Has anyone found them helpful?

I'm 83 and have problems with balance.

I carry a walking stick, but only use it to cross roads, or traverse uneven pavements - or to lean on in a shop-queue.

That way you are still exercising your muscles, but have it at the ready, if needed... I find that way, it gives me confidence.

Get your GP to refer you and get a proper walking stick, correct for your height.If you are a bit ‘tottery’ it may be a good idea to get your house proofed. We had an extra handrail fitted on the stairs and grab rails at the top and bottom. They also fitted 2 grab rails in the shower. None of this cost anything and has proved a real boon to my husband, who has neuropathy in his feet after chemo.

My lovely d.I.l. got me a folding walking stick the other day. Sweet girl 😡😂

I would say that anything that gives you confidence and makes it easier for you to walk is likely to improve your muscle tone not weaken it. My advice would be to do balance exercises indoors, close to something you can grab onto if needed. It’s worked for me.

I would be unsafe now without my walking stick.
It took some weeks to get used to the idea but once I did I felt fine and much safer.

Its not the actual stick she was talking about, and I'm not worried about how it looks.
She was saying its a bad idea because I'll get to rely on it and my balance will deteriorate. Her argument is that its better to use your muscles rather than let them waste away, and relying on a stick will lead to muscle wastage.
I have actually bought myself a rather snazzy little one, and have used it around town a time or two. I find other people are kinder and more considerate when I have it, but its a nuisance when shopping.
Didn't I make myself clear in my original post? Will I get worse more quickly if I continue to use it?

I have been encouraging DH to get a folding walking stick. He is OK on flat ground, but could do with some support when on grass and rough surfaces.

He could keep it in his pocket and just get it out when needed. I do understand his reluctance.

I am 81 now and have had to use a stick since I broke my ankle in 2009 and ended up having surgery. I have had two knees replaced and doubt if I would still be here if I had not used my stick daily. It keeps me upright and has saved many possible falls.

I am giving up my car shortly and am considering a folding rollator so I can get on a bus with it. The type that does not fold is very wide and not very flexible.

I think Nordic sticks would be the answer ExDancer.

I'm old too, and often quite wobbly in my walking. I'm supposed to use the walking stick which lives in the boot of my car. It's a floral folding up one.
But do I often use it? No. Can't explain why but I just don't like it. I know I'll regret it when I next fall over .

If you get sticks, fun coloured ones, or Nordic walking ones- please make sure you are taught how to use them by a physio and to have the right height. One session would be sufficient.

I had a friend who used Nordic sticks, far too long for her, and she just stabbed them in front of her, which caused more issues than it solved.

ExDancer
Are you doing balancing exercises in your class?
I take 2 neighbours to these classes and they practice balancing.
I do mine while I’m cleaning my teeth.

Far, far better than falling and possibly breaking a bone. You can find some quite elegant ones.

I have several friends who use Nordic sticks when walking- as they say it makes the look 'sporty' rather than 'elderly'. I think I would feel the same.

I have a problem with balance caused by inner ear mechanisms not working. I use two sticks as the man in the mobility correctly pointed out that one would be of no use as I would likely favour that side. As to muscle tone, it takes a lot of muscle to use two sticks and walk upright! I’m 70 and have had them 2 years.