Health For Everone Q&A Senior Health Geriatric Fitness

How to choose a chair for the elderly

Asked by:Irene

Asked on:Apr 01, 2026 02:36 AM

Answers:1 Views:429
  • Fay Fay

    Apr 01, 2026

      Relevant experts believe that compared with hard benches, rattan chairs are the first choice for sitting for the elderly, and adding a soft cushion is more effective. Experts explained that there is a small protrusion under the ischium of the human pelvis, called the ischial tubercle, with a bursa on the top. When a person sits down, the bursa secretes mucus when it comes into contact with the object on which it is sitting, which acts as a buffer and reduces discomfort when in contact with hard objects. As age increases, the elderly's hip muscles gradually atrophy, and the bursa on the ischial tuberosity also undergoes degenerative changes, resulting in reduced mucus secretion and reduced buffering capacity. If you sit on a hard bench for a long time, it will induce ischial tuberosity bursitis, especially the elderly who are thin and are more prone to such injuries.

      Soft chairs or soft sofas can also cause muscle strain in the elderly. When the body sinks into the chair, the curvature of the person's spine becomes larger, which increases the burden on the muscles of the lower back. This is also a certain risk for the elderly with relatively weak bones.

      Therefore, you should choose a rattan chair that is both breathable and elastic for the elderly. It is best to choose a chair with a backrest and put a footrest so that the legs can be placed flat to prevent ischemia of the lower limbs. Experts also emphasize that no matter what chair you sit on, the most important thing is to change your posture frequently.