Pedometer for Elderly Mum Using a Walker

CheapskateQueen on 10/01/2025 - 07:24
Last edited 10/01/2025 - 08:21 by 1 other user

Hi, we're looking for a pedometer for mum that will count her steps.

She uses a wheeled walker now, so her Fitbit doesn't register because her wrist is stable on the walker.

There's no clear winner on amazon.

Hoping someone has a recommendation factoring in the walker and very slow steps.

Not looking for professional level or anything, just something to give an indication of how much she has moved/not moved that day.

It's a really good objective reminder that she has done well or been on the couch all day and need to get up.

Thanks
.

Health & Beauty Pedometer

Comments

  • RogerLoger on 10/01/2025 - 07:35

    You can get counters that clip on (e.g. belt, top of skirt).

    • CheapskateQueen on 10/01/2025 - 07:54

      yeh that's what I'm looking at, but there's different ones that use different "methods" of counting steps.

      they're trying to be fancy now with "3d sensors" but idk how they count a step e.g., if it's an arm swing that triggers a step, that won't work for her

      maybe i just need an old school cheap one

      • RogerLoger on 10/01/2025 - 08:49

        I had a cheap device at one stage. It wasn't registering all steps, so I clipped it inside a running sock. It was mildly annoying for running, but it did the job with close to zero error. Maybe clip on a shoe might work for your Mum?

  • Archi on 10/01/2025 - 08:03
    +1

    maybe she can measure time or distance rather than steps if there is a goal, eg instead of 3000 steps a day walk 20 minutes or 500 metres or a lap of something.

  • Who is she on 10/01/2025 - 08:29
    +1

    Before I changed to the Fitbit I used a clip on to the belt version. Yamax Digi-Walker Electronic Pedometer SW-700/701

    It relies, as far as I can tell, on the hip movement, and even a quite slow movement registered, but the hip had to move, so a shuffle wouldn’t do it.

    Archi’s suggestion is a good one. If you timed mum walking 250 steps, if you were aiming at 3000 steps a day, she’d need to do 12 sessions of however long that took. Set a kitchen timer for 50 minutes to remind her to get up and go for her walk.

    • CheapskateQueen on 10/01/2025 - 09:26

      thanks, I'll have a look at that one

      I've told her that the idea of "steps" is really about trying to get people moving so she should focus on the time walking or where she walked eg "i walked home today"

      i think she really enjoys the step number - its a visual recognition of her efforts that she can see and be proud of. now she walks but then her watch tells her a shit number, i think it's disheartening for her

  • GordonD on 10/01/2025 - 08:37

    Leave the poor old bugger alone.

    Getting old enough to need a walker is bad enough without your kids monitoring and nagging you about things like how much exercise you've gotten.

    If she wants to just lay on the couch some days, just let her. When you get old you'll understand.

    • mskeggs on 10/01/2025 - 09:18

      No way. Whip her with the jumper cables as an objective reminder as to whether she has done well.
      Old people these days are too soft, and hardly exposed to the panopticon!

      • try2bhelpful on 10/01/2025 - 11:55

        Pedometer linked to battery. Move your arse or get a jolt. (Obviously kidding).

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 10/01/2025 - 12:09

        Whip her with the jumper cables

        I recognise that reference.

    • CheapskateQueen on 10/01/2025 - 09:23

      Movement is what will keep her healthy and able to enjoy her grandchildren and her own life.

      Sitting around doing nothing all day won't help her.

      And shes the one asking for it.

  • loulou1 on 10/01/2025 - 08:55
    +1

    My sister is unable to wear anything on her wrist at work, so she wears her Fitbit around her ankle. Could that work?

    • joka on 10/01/2025 - 09:10
      +2

      Your elderly mother will look like she just got released from prison and is being tracked.

      • mskeggs on 10/01/2025 - 09:19

        OG Original Granny

    • CheapskateQueen on 10/01/2025 - 11:43

      haha I'll ask her if she wants to try that!

  • Protractor on 10/01/2025 - 09:53

    Contact one of the orgs that provide living aids for elderly ppl (like occupational therapists) and ask them what options there are,make a shortlist and hunt down the type/price you want. Or do some homework?>
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4008448/

    https://www.verywellfit.com/best-pedometers-4159148

    • CheapskateQueen on 10/01/2025 - 11:42

      lol I'm doing more homework than generic articles not answering the specific needs on my scenario

      • Protractor on 10/01/2025 - 11:54
        -1

        What did the aged care experts and websites say?
        ( It's not like this is a one off challenge)
        The first link I posted leans towards no feasible & reliable (accurate) option , if I read it right

        EDIT use a basic GPS tracker,go for a walk with her of a set distance and (possibly) count the steps or time. From then on you can do the maths to figure out using the tracker. It is a way of future proofing her to remain independent, by getting used to a tracker (if/when dementia occurs)

  • jv on 10/01/2025 - 10:52

    we're looking for a pedometer for mum that will count her steps.

    Why ?

  • try2bhelpful on 10/01/2025 - 11:59
    +1

    I would look for something that attaches to her shoe or can go around her ankle. You are detecting her foot moving.

    • Protractor on 10/01/2025 - 12:03
      +1

      Or an AFL players GPS backpack setup.

      • try2bhelpful on 10/01/2025 - 12:04
        +2

        Give mum an AFL player as a present and she won’t need to worry about walking for a workout.

        • Protractor on 10/01/2025 - 12:04
          +1

          That's the spirit.

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