Recommended guide for crutches for the elderly | How to choose crutche (2025)

Which brand of crutches do you recommend for the elderly? How to buy a cane for the elderly? This article will share the purchasing principles and safety testing standards of crutches for the elderly, and introduce the features, prices, and materials of 4 recommended brands of crutches for the elderly to help you buy safe and durable crutches for the elderly! Finally, let me tell you where to buy high-quality crutches for the elderly!

1. How to choose crutches for the elderly ? The Consumer Council teaches you how to choose a cane for the elderly

The cane for the elderly is an assistive device specially designed for the elderly with limited mobility. Its main purpose is to provide support and assistance to the elderly to prevent them from falling, toppling, etc. when standing and walking.

Key points for selecting handrails for the elderly 1: Types of handrails for the elderly

There are many types of canes for the elderly , each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and you can choose according to the physical condition and needs of the elderly.

✨T -shaped crutch (single-hand cane)

The T-shaped cane (single-handed cane) is the most common type of cane for the elderly. With its advantages of being light, easy to carry, and affordable, it has become an ideal choice for the elderly who still have some ability to walk.

When purchasing a T-shaped crutch, it is recommended to purchase a wrist strap at the same time. The wrist strap can fix the cane on the wrist of the elderly. Even if the cane slips, the elderly can easily pick it up without bending down, effectively preventing falls.

✨Three or four-legged crutches

A tripod or quadruped cane, also known as a "multi-point crutch", is designed with multiple fulcrums and a larger contact area with the floor, thus providing more stable support . This type of crutch is especially suitable for stroke patients who have poor balance when standing or who have hemiplegia.

✨Forearm Crutches

The forearm crutch is an auxiliary walking tool designed for people with lower limb paralysis but normal upper limb function. Its unique design shifts the support point from the wrist to the forearm , which can effectively reduce wrist pressure. At the same time, it uses the strength of the arm to assist in supporting the body weight , helping users walk more easily and comfortably.

✨Folding crutches

The folding cane is a lightweight and easy-to-carry cane, specially designed to deal with emergencies when going out. The unique folding design allows it to be easily stored in a bag or suitcase. It does not take up too much space when going out, and can also be used when going out. Provides good operational security and stability when needed. .

✨Crutch chair

The crutch chair is a versatile assistive tool. When the elderly are walking, they can use the crutch chair as a crutch to help them stand, walk and maintain balance; when they need to rest, they can easily unfold the crutch chair and convert it into a seat.

✨Underarm crutches

In addition to the above types, there are also armpit crutches, which are suitable for people with lower limb injuries, such as lower body paralysis, fractures, etc. It shifts the support point from the wrist to the armpit and upper body, allowing users to use the strength of the upper body to support the body weight and complete walking movements more easily and comfortably.

Key points in selecting hand sticks for the elderly 2: Size of the cane for the elderly

To ensure the safety and comfort of an elderly person when using a cane, it is important to choose the appropriate cane length. Here is a simple selection step:

Step 1: Measure your height

Hand sticks for the elderly need to be selected based on the height of the elderly, so first determine how tall the elderly are. You can use a tape measure or machine to measure their height in centimeters.

Step 2: Calculate cane length

Suitable crutch length = (height/2) + 2 to 3 (cm).

Calculate the appropriate cane length based on the above formula. For example, if the elder is 170 cm tall, the appropriate cane length is (170/2) + 2 to 3 cm, that is, 85 to 86 cm.

Step 3: Actual trial

Ask the elder to place the cane about 20 centimeters in front of the outside of the body and bend the elbow at about 30 to 40 degrees. The bottom of the cane should just touch the ground. If the cane is too long or too short, the length will need to be adjusted.

Key point 3 when choosing handcuffs for the elderly: Weight of the handcuffs for the elderly

Many people believe that the lighter the cane, the better, but this is not necessarily the case. For people with poor balance or stroke, it is easy to lose balance when walking due to weak muscle strength and reduced coordination. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a walking stick with a weight between 250 and 350 grams . Canes in this weight range can provide the elderly with enough support and stability to help them walk more safely.

Key point 4 when selecting hand sticks for the elderly: Grip design of the cane for the elderly

The grip design of the elderly cane is an important factor to consider when selecting. The following is a brief introduction to 2 common grip shapes:

• Arc shape: The arc-shaped grip conforms to the curve of the human hand and can fit the palm of the hand, providing a more comfortable holding experience . Suitable for the elderly with weak hand strength, it can reduce hand pressure and relieve fatigue.
• Flat shape: The flat shape grip provides a larger holding area and is suitable for elders with larger hands. This shape of the handle can provide a stable grip, increase the sense of security for the elderly, and make them feel more confident when walking .

Point 5 when choosing an old man’s cane: The material of the old man’s cane

The material the cane is made of affects its weight, durability, stability and aesthetics. Common cane materials include:

• Wooden walking sticks: Natural and beautiful in appearance, but relatively heavy and difficult to adjust in height.
• Stainless steel walking stick: sturdy and durable, not easy to rust, but heavier.
• Aluminum alloy walking sticks: lighter, durable and less prone to rust, are a common choice.
• Carbon Fiber Canes: Extremely light and strong, but more expensive.

When choosing a cane for the elderly, the primary consideration should be the sturdiness and stability of the cane, regardless of the material . The cane needs to have sufficient support and remain stable without swaying to ensure the safety of the user.

Key point 6 when choosing crutches for the elderly: friction at the bottom of the crutches

In addition to being strong and stable, the design of the rubber pad at the bottom of the crutch also requires attention, because the rubber pad is the part of the crutch that contacts the ground, and its friction and anti-slip properties are crucial to the safety of the elderly.

According to information from the Hong Kong Consumer Council, the rubber pad at the bottom of the crutch must meet the following requirements:

• Groove depth: Groove depth should be at least 0.2 cm. This ensures that the friction between the rubber pad and the ground is sufficient and avoids insufficient grip of the cane.
• Outer diameter width: The diameter of the outer ring of the rubber pad that contacts the ground should be at least 1 cm wider than the diameter of the inner ring to ensure that the rubber pad is thick enough and not susceptible to wear or damage.

2. Is the crutch you use safe? List of test standards for crutches for the elderly

(1) 4 major crutches testing items

As one of the commonly used assistive devices for the elderly, crutches are a guarantee for them to be able to walk safely. However, according to the test standards of the Hong Kong Consumer Council’s Journal Issue 496, there are many crutches on the market that do not meet international standards and lack test instructions. .

Not only that, according to the Hong Kong Press Gazette, in 2016, a model of crutch chair was found to have safety issues with bending and overturning, which could cause harm to the elderly. Therefore, Hong Kong Customs ordered a ban on the sale of this product in Hong Kong.

Therefore, in order to maintain their own safety, it is particularly important for the elderly to choose crutches that have international certification and have passed safety testing. The crutch safety testing items and methods are listed below:

Crutches bottom friction test

Assess the friction at the base of the cane to ensure the cane does not slip during use.

1. Place the crutch end vertically on the platform.
2. A force of 1 kg is exerted on the crutch.
3. Use a force sensor to measure friction at the base of the crutch.
4. Move the platform slowly and record the friction value.

According to the Japanese Product Safety Association standard CPSA 0073, the friction force at the bottom of the crutch should not be less than 4 Newtons. If the friction force is less than 4 Newtons, it means that the crutch may slip during use, posing a safety hazard.

Strength test of crutch joint

Assess the joint strength of the crutch to ensure that the crutch will not loosen or become damaged during use.

1. Hang a 13 kg weight 30 cm away from the handle.
2. Lasts 1 minute.
3. After removing the weight, check the handle and shaft for looseness or damage.

Crutches weight-bearing test

Assess the weight-bearing capacity of the crutch to ensure it does not deform during use.

1. Apply a force of 1 kg at the center of the handle and measure the deformation of the stick body.
2. Slowly apply gravity to 4 kg and maintain for 1 minute.
3. Measure the maximum deformation of the crutch.
4. Reduce the force to 1 kg and maintain it for 1 minute.
5. Measure the amount of permanent deformation of the crutch.

Also according to the Japanese Product Safety Association standard CPSA 0073, the maximum deformation of the crutch should not exceed 1.7 cm; and the permanent deformation should not exceed 0.1 cm.

Cane Grip Requirements

In addition, in order for the elderly to hold crutches comfortably, the Japanese Product Safety Association standard CPSA 0073 also provides standards for crutch handles:

• Arc shape: The diameter of the grip should be between 10 and 15 centimeters.
• Flat shape: The grip length is about 10 to 15 centimeters.

(2) How to confirm that the crutches purchased meet safety standards?

So how to tell whether the crutches have passed the test and have international certification?

View official website

Manufacturers usually publish the testing and certification information of their products on their official websites. It is recommended that before purchasing, you can check the official website of the crutch to check whether the product has passed the CPSA 0073 standard test.

Check product labels

When purchasing crutches, in addition to referring to the standard test on the official website, you can also check whether the product has the Japanese SG certification mark .

The Japan Product Safety Association (CPSA) will provide the SG certification mark for products that have passed safety tests. Therefore, if a crutch product bears the SG mark, it usually means that the product has passed the test of the CPSA 0073 standard and meets the relevant safety requirements.

The style of the SG certification mark is as follows:

3. How much does a wristband for the elderly cost ? What are the factors that affect price?

The price of a cane for the elderly depends on many factors, including origin, material, function, etc.

• Origin

Generally speaking, the price of Japanese-made walking sticks will be higher than that of Taiwan-made walking sticks. This is because Japan's craftsmanship and production costs are higher, so product prices are relatively higher.

• Material

The price of wooden canes will be cheaper, about 350 to 400 Hong Kong dollars, and the carbon fiber crutches will be about 450 to 520 Hong Kong dollars.

• Function

The more functions an elderly cane has, the higher its price. For example, the price of models with foldable, reflective and other functions will be higher than that of basic walking sticks.

• Certification

If the cane has passed safety tests and has international certification, its price will also be higher. This is because the certification process requires a certain cost to ensure the quality of the canes, make them safer to use, and reassure consumers.

4. Which crutches are recommended for the elderly ? Popular crutch styles revealed

Recommended walking stick for the elderly 1: Japanese brand Shima- leather telescopic walking stick

Shima is a crutch brand from Japan. The crutches it produces all comply with the CPSA 0073 standard. The products are also labeled with the Japanese SG certification mark, which can be used with more peace of mind. Below are the popular crutch styles launched by Shima.

Crutches Features:

• 13 sections of length adjustment (each section is approximately 2.5 cm apart).
• The narrow neck design of the grip makes the crutch easier to hold.

Crutches material:

• Main body: aluminum alloy, recycled leather
• Grip: PP, TPR
• Feet: synthetic rubber

Crutches price: HKD 810

(Picture source/ Tiantianbu official website)

Recommended walking stick for the elderly 2: Japanese brand Shima- carbon fiber telescopic walking stick

Crutches Features:

• Made of lightweight high-quality carbon fiber, weighing only 230 grams.
• 11 sections of length adjustment (each section is approximately 2.5 cm apart).

Crutches material:

• Body: carbon fiber
• Grip: carbon fiber
• Feet: synthetic rubber

Crutches price: HKD 930

(Picture source/ Tiantianbu official website)

Recommended walking sticks for the elderly 3: Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks - reflective walking sticks at night

The Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks is also a crutch brand popular among the elderly. Merry Sticks products have been tested or registered by inspection/regulatory agencies such as the Japan SG Association, the US FDA, the EU CE, and the Korean KC, and have certification issued by the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare. The first-level medical device license ensures that the product meets safety and quality standards so that users can use it with confidence. Below we also introduce you to 2 Merry Sticks products.

Crutches Features:

• Special reflective material, the stick body will automatically reflect light when illuminated by light.
• The two-section walking stick can be stored to a minimum length of about 62 cm, making it easy to carry and walk.
• Load capacity up to 100 kg.

Crutches material:

• Body: aluminum alloy, maple wood
• Grip: maple
• Feet: synthetic rubber

Crutches price: HKD 380

(Picture source/ Tiantianbu official website)

Recommended walking sticks for the elderly 4: Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks - imitation wood grain folding walking sticks

Crutches Features:

• The length is about 80 to 90 cm, suitable for people with a height of about 154 to 174 cm.
• Comes with a wrist strap to prevent the cane from falling and a plastic cover for easy storage.

Crutches material:

• Body: aluminum alloy
• Grip: Poplar
• Feet: synthetic rubber

Crutches price: HKD 390

(Picture source/ Tiantianbu official website)

5. How to use a cane for the elderly safely ? A summary of precautions for using crutches

After reading the above recommended items, let’s explain the correct use and precautions of crutches:

Crutches and feet form a triangle

When using crutches, place the crutch on the front of your foot so that the crutch and foot form a triangle rather than a straight line. This provides more stable support and helps seniors maintain balance.

Pay attention to whether the crutches are damaged

Before use, it is recommended to check whether the rubber pads of the crutches are worn or damaged. If so, they need to be replaced in time. In addition, the grip of the crutch should also be checked. If it is loose, it may make it difficult for the elderly to hold the crutch tightly, increasing the risk of falling.

Avoid walking on slippery surfaces

If there are water stains or slippery marks on the ground, try to avoid walking on it to prevent slipping. If you must walk on slippery surfaces, slow down and pay special attention to safety.

6. Where can I buy crutches for the elderly ? It is recommended to travel every day !

The above is the information about crutches for the elderly. If you want to choose the above 4 high-quality, easy-to-use crutches, we recommend you to go to Tiantiandaidai to buy them!

◆ Professional assessment, personalized plan

Tiantian Mobility is different from ordinary rehabilitation supplies stores. It adheres to the core concept of "focus and professionalism". We will first have a deep understanding of your actual situation, and then provide you and your family with the best quality mobility aids and services.

◆ Rich products to meet diverse needs

In addition to crutches for the elderly, Tiantian Mobility also provides mobility aids such as manual wheelchairs , electric wheelchairs, and electric nursing beds , which can meet the needs of different consumers.

Further reading:

Small classroom for electric wheelchair boarding: understand the boarding process and precautions at once!