Walking canes have been around for hundreds of years, and we often associate them with prestigious and refined gentlemen. Some use them as props with secret weapons and compartments in old spy movies.
But canes also have an efficient, everyday use, helping seniors get around. Gadget canes blend the mysterious old-world reputation with modern-day usefulness.
A gadget cane, sometimes called a system or a dual-purpose cane, is a walking cane that also serves an alternative purpose.
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In many ways, your imagination is the only thing limiting your gadget cane’s functionality. There are several types of gadget canes meant to meet the different needs of their users.
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Picking the Base Cane
Before getting into specific gadget canes, it is important to remember that a gadget cane is a walking cane first. Whether you are using it for 5 minutes, on special occasions, or in your daily life, it should be comfortable and helpful as a cane first.
Here are a few essential aspects to consider with any cane you decide to use:
Handle:
There are a few common types of handles used for canes for seniors. You can choose the shape, whether it be ergonomic, offset, derby, or fritz. They can be made of wood, foam, or a type of plastic. Choosing a handle is mostly a matter of personal choice, so choose what feels best for you.
Building Materials:
Canes are usually built out of a few different types of materials. Wooden canes are strong, customizable, and inexpensive. Aluminum canes are also strong but aren’t as heavy as their wood counterparts. The carbon fiber alternatives are usually the most lightweight canes but can also cost the most.
Height:
The height of a cane is a critical aspect of finding a good cane. Too long or too short, and you will be working harder and be off-balance. Generally speaking, your elbow bend should be at 15 degrees, and the handle should line up with your wrist when it is hanging straight down. Many canes nowadays are adjustable, so work with your doctor to find the perfect height for you.
Tip:
The tip you need depends mostly upon what you need, specifically, and your needs can change. If you need extra support and balance, you may need a quad cane with four tips.
A single foot is easier to maneuver and works well for most people. Most canes will boast a rubber tip that helps provide traction on a variety of surfaces.
As your climate changes, your cane tip may need to change too. Some who live in an icy climate have a pivoting spike tip that they can remove when inside.
Weight:
Most canes have a weight limit. Finding the proper cane, able to support your weight, is vital for your safety.
Once you have a better idea of the fundamental aspects you need in your cane, you can begin looking at the other side of a gadget cane. The second purpose may solve a specific problem, or you may choose it to have a bit of fun. Here are the best gadget canes for senior men in every situation.
Gadget Canes for Saving Hands
Using a cane automatically takes away your ability to use one of your hands and carrying anything becomes a hassle. Life does not end just because you use a walking stick, and you should still be able to have what you want. The following canes can help keep your free hand well, free.
Light Cane
This option is admittedly one of the more basic gadget canes, but certainly one of the more useful. The light cane functions primarily as a walking cane, but with an easy to use light built into the design. This is a big help for any senior taking a stroll at night, or just in a darker area, and allows you to walk safely without needing to hold an additional flashlight.
This light cane boasts an intense LED light that can bend 45 degrees, so you can focus the light on illuminating any direction you need it. It also still offers a robust and foldable design with adjustable height capabilities.
The base rotates on four non-slip tips, offering a 250-lb weight limit. This basic light cane is a perfect day-to-day walking cane.
Bag Cane
You can design your bag cane in a large variety of ways, but any version is extremely useful. It is ideal for those who have to carry around wallets, cell phones, and other necessary items but don’t want the hassle of carrying another bag or purse. It is often merely a bag attached to a walking cane for a simple yet efficient solution to carrying what you want, while still having a free hand.
There are a few different options if you are looking for a bag cane. There are canes explicitly made for having an attached bag, with all the straps and notches built-in.
It is also commonly purchased as an accessory, so you can use it with whichever cane you prefer, as long as it is compatible. This gadget cane is one of the more customizable on this list.
