Gone are the bad old days when if you had any sort of mobility problem you were left in a chair at home and your life revolved within four walls. With all the new mobility aids on the market today there is no reason to be left behind. Get out there and enjoy yourself. Make a day of it with the grandchildren.

Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and powerchairs have a proven place in our changing world and a real boon for families wanting to be out and about together. Today they are lighter, easier to put together and more reliable than ever. 4mph for the gentle shoppers to 8mph for the go-everywhere larger scooters.

Even walking sticks have changed. They are now available with lovely contoured handles which make it easy to rest your body weight. Folding sticks click apart and fold neatly into a handbag or carrier. Quad canes (four feet) are available and provide extra stability. There are also adjustable sticks to make sure that you are using the cane at the correct height. Leading mobility shops will measure you and alter whatever you choose to ensure that the device is a perfect height for you.

There are a wide variety of options on the market if you are in need of a crutch. There are elbow crutches and shock absorbing crutches, children's crutches and brightly coloured ones. I would recommend is that you ensure that you change your ferrule regularly. A ferrule is the cap that fits on the end of a cane to provide traction. In wet or icy weather an old bare ferrule can make your cane dangerous.

Walkers and walking frames come in all shapes and sizes these days. From the standard 4 foot frame to ones with two wheels in the front. Trolleys and caddys are fantastic devices for when you are trying to get the cup of tea from the kitchen into the lounge so that you can sit and relax and enjoy it. Outside walkers now come with baskets for the milk and bread and perhaps a library book. They are fitted with brakes and we recommend the brakes that operate when you use body weight to push down so that you do not have to try to squeeze with arthritic hands.

Wheelchairs are whizzo these days. Choose one that folds up like the children's buggy's that we have all used for so many years or the more traditional wheelchairs that now unclip into so many bits that it make the chair smaller and lighter to be popped into the back of a car.

Fold out footrests allow easy access. Fold down or clip off arms are essential if you need side transfer on a board. Clip off wheels make the chair so much lighter. For those in a chair for a long time, cushions, trays, drinks holders, seat belts, bags, waterproofs, crutch holders, the list is endless. If you use these devices regularly don't forget to invest in a good pair of gloves.