The inability to walk can be the result of a multitude of causes. Whether you have never been able to walk or have only recently found yourself in this position, whether you don’t expect to walk or hope to gain greater mobility in the future, these circumstances all impact how you choose to live your life. Here are five things you should consider doing as someone who is unable to walk.
1. Choose Your Mobility Aids
There are a wide variety of mobility aids on the market intended to cater to the diverse range of walking abilities. For example, walking frames or canes can be enough for some, whereas wheelchairs or mobility scooters are required for others. You will know the extent of your walking ability and which solution would suit you best. Sometimes, one or two choices can be useful for different situations, such as a wheelchair for everyday use and a mobility scooter for activities like shopping. It’s important to research and, where possible, test these different options to find something that works for you and your lifestyle.
2. Find Your Support System
If you find it frustrating to be the only person in your family or social group who cannot walk, consider seeking a support group of people with similar mobility restrictions. You would be surprised at the positive impact sharing your experience and listening to others speak about theirs has on your mental health. Some people can feel isolated by their limited mobility, so being able to air these frustrations with a group that can understand how you are feeling is hugely valuable.
3. Adapt Your Environment
The more easily you can navigate the world around you, the more freedom you will be able to enjoy. This means finding opportunities to improve your surroundings and make aspects of your lifestyle run more smoothly. For example, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle could drastically increase your travel options, so take a look at alliedmobility.com for more information. Similarly, if you can adjust the equipment and fixtures of your home to better suit your needs, you will find that everyday tasks such as cooking or washing become much simpler. Consider having your kitchen counters adapted or your bathroom refitted to accommodate your mobility needs.
4. Accept the Challenge
Being unable to walk is undoubtedly a challenge. Even if you have never had a high level of mobility and are relatively accustomed to your lifestyle, the world around you is designed for people who can walk, so it’s understandable to feel disregarded. This is why accepting the challenge and rising to it with determination is essential.
5. Don’t Compromise Your Goals
Just because you don’t share the same level of mobility as other people doesn’t mean you have to limit your ambition. In fact, the adaptability, creativity, and resourcefulness that come from learning to navigate a world filled with obstacles give you the strong mindset necessary for achieving your goals. Use this to your advantage and enjoy discovering where life will take you.
