Walking sticks in "tottery" in old age

As others have said, it will be detrimental to your mobility if you fall and injure yourself because of balance issues, so I would recommend using a stick. I also recommend you do exercises that focus on balance and mobility. I’ve recently discovered (and am enjoying) this online “senior” fitness instructor - this is a 30 minute exercise routine but he also does short videos of just 3 exercises
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-g7TAjjAE8

If you feel safer using a stick then use one but continue the exercise class. However a GP consultation may be wise to investigate the causes of your unsteadiness. Who knows it may be something easily remedied. X

I have balance issues and use a stick it has helped a lot. Previously when walking my arm would shoot out as I wobbled it is not the first time I have almost hit someone.
I thought about getting a walker but hesitated as I felt it would age me but I wanted to feel safe as I never know when the vertigo will strike.
Recently I bought a really good quality walker and it has changed my life. I walk upright have full balance and take longer walks due to feeling more secure. I still use my stick but get a lot more exercise using the walker as I can walk at a good pace. For your own safety I would definitely suggest you use a stick or walker.

I’m with Truffle on the subject of walkers. I have a lightweight one that’s easy to put into n a car but much prefer my larger one that’s easy enables me to walk much further at a better pace and comfortably. I’m partially sighted and find that people are much more helpful when I use my walker than when I use my white stick.

Teabag woman
Thank you.
I never thought of getting a lightweight one as an option for when I need a one that can pack away quickly.mine is an all terrain walker which can fit in the car but it takes more space.

ExDancer, ignore your Instructor. You’re far more likely to keep your muscle tone by walking using a stick. As an earlier poster asked, how old is she? Please don’t risk a broken hip. I’m 85 and, like Grammaretto, I too have had a TRH (through arthritis not a fall), mine was last November and only now am I nearly back to anything like normal. It’s no joke - so get that stick (or sticks), get walking and tell your Instructor to do a little more research (in the nicest possible way!)

I’m a retired physiotherapist who used to work with fallers / people with poor balance, and let me assure you that what you have been advised ( not to use a stick because it will cause muscle weakness) is incorrect. You sound like you need one to maintain your balance and safety ( better that than fall and fracture your hip!!!) but you need to continue balance and strengthening exercises to maintain / improve strength and balance. Definitely use a stick , especially outside . Good luck x