The wants and needs of the aging population have prompted walking-aids manufacturers to be flexible and provide greater product selection.

"To use an automobile analogy in speaking about the walking-aids market, people want the comfort of a Cadillac, the size of a Suburban, the gas mileage of a Honda and the sticker price of a Hyundai. We have tried to provide as many two-in-one products as possible while addressing the need to have flexible merchandise. We have to be flexible in America because we are outfitting all of the world's people. We have everyone here -- short, tall, fat and thin. It's a challenge to fit people who are all shapes and sizes, but we do it right down to the colors of the products." -- Doug MacMillan, president of Ottawa-based Dana Douglas

Many of today's walking-aids users have the disposable income to spend extra on such products, making it easier for manufacturers to sell mobility, independence and style.

"Wheeled walkers are enjoying what has to be called a growth spurt. More people are spending their disposable income on health and wellness products. . . After all, the same people who buy status cars, watches and clothing do so for looks, comfort or performance, and they are going to pick up the teal-green rollator versus a plain aluminum walker every time." -- Tim Faust, director of business development at Cincinnati-based Surgical Appliance Industries

Some manufacturers have added value to their Medicare-reimbursable walkers. This approach has led them to make big predictions for the year.

"Unless walkers are added to some sort of upgrade provision, many people miss out on added features. So based on the feedback we've been getting from providers and end-users, we've spawned new products and added certain standard features on Medicare-reimbursable walkers. We have done this because people [who are] economically challenged would do without the latest technology offered. Some of the improvements are better building materials to choose from and improvement of the wireless braking systems, requiring no cables. This year is going to be the most innovative year in a long time for walkers."
-- Gregory Bonderud, owner of Houston-based Bond Link

Below, you'll find a selection of walking aids from leading manufacturers.

Wheelchairs of Kansas/Walker

The WOK750

• two-wheel walker with steel frame
• designed for bariatric patients; can hold 750 pounds
• features adjustable height options, folding frame, padded grips
  Call 800/537-6454.

Dana Douglas/Walker

The Infiniti 500

• cable-free braking system
• flip-up seat, two-position basket
• three seat heights, adjustable handle heights
  Call 613/723-6734.

Consumer Care Products/Walker

The Ring Support Walker

• sling saddle for low-back support, hip control
• tilt-in-space feature designed to improve management of pelvic tilt
• features casters with locking brakes
  Call 920/893-4614.

Lifestyle Mobility Aids/Walker

The Royal DLX

• features locking loop brake, 8-inch wheels
• weighs 11 pounds; comes with tote bag
• available in two colors
  Call 877/843-6464.

Pathlighter/Cane

The Pathlighter Cane

• features self-contained light source for illumination
• illuminates user's path up to 3 feet
• features on-off switch control on handle
  Call 410/486-7266.

Best Care/Rollator

The EZ Rollator

• looping brake system; safety locking mechanism for frame
• designed to fold easily
• seat, basket are standard; tray, backrest are optional
  Call 562/690-7713.

Nova Ortho-Med/Walker

The Cruiser Deluxe Super Model 4212

• adjustable seat
• designed for indoor-outdoor use
• comes with basket, hand brakes; available in three colors
  Call 310/352-3600.

Mada Medical Products/Walker

The 3800WSL Junior/Adult in One Patriot Folding Walker

• adjustable height; padded foam handgrips
• aluminum tube construction
• single-button folding mechanism; push-button spring lock security
  Circle 498. Call 800/526-6370.

Invacare/Rollator

The Stardust Rollator

• second bar can be used as transport handle
• footrest doubles as curb climber
• ergonomic hand brakes lock rear wheels for security
  Call 800/333-6900.

Bond Link/Rollator

The Starlite

• hand brake system engages when weight is applied to handle bars
• foldable seat has 265-pound capacity
• features four wheels and a basket
  Call 888/942-7925.

Winmed Products/Rollator

The Dannie EO147

• features independently adjustable brake handles
• 6-inch wheels designed for indoor-outdoor use
• comes with clear plastic tray; weighs 19 pounds
  941/791-4000.

Canadaleg/Crutch

The iWalkFree Hands-Free Crutch

• designed for patients with lower leg injury or trans-tibial amputees
• made of ultraviolet-resistant resins, hypoallergenic materials
• features adjustable fastening system, universal fitting
  Call 800/492-1088.

Tuffcare/Rollator

The 4-Wheel Freedom Cart With Hand Brakes

• made of aluminum tubing; collapsible
• comes with basket, padded seat
• features height-adjustable handgrips, locking loop brakes
  Call 800/367-6160.

Mountain Properties/Cane

The Palm Grip

• molded of high-density plastic; designed for right- or left-handed users
• designed to relieve uneven palm pressure
• dark beechwood shaft; brass collar
  Call 604/826-9699.