I keep harping on about the wisdom of using a walking stick when age or other infirmity means falls become a possibility around the home or on the street. But there is another factor to consider with the use of walking sticks...
The regular use of a walking stick will actually enhance mobility, strength and flexibility by enabling more exercise than might otherwise be the norm. If a person recognises they are experiencing instability, their normal reaction will be to reduce the circumstances in which a fall might occur. Thus they cut down on daily activity and limit exposure to what may be difficult terrain. Thus they get less exercise and social interactions. It becomes a spiral of diminishing mobility in which the end point is either eventually getting a more intrusive mobility aid when it becomes impossible not to have one, or maybe an even worse health outcome.
Far better to start using a walking stick early to ensure the daily dose of movement and exercise is maintained.
As part of the promotion of walking sticks and exercise, take a look at this video off YouTube of walking stick related exercise. (That's not me by the way)
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