After Jim’s recent falls and general unsteadiness, I bought him a set of hiking poles. While technically, this isn’t using technology, the new style of poles are strong and light-weight.

I’ve mentioned the possibility of using them before and been met with outright rejection. He wasn’t interested in them at all.

This time I didn’t give him a choice. I pulled out my inner battle-axe and told him that it was hiking poles or ‘something for old folks’ like a cane or walker.

He stopped arguing.

When I gave them to him, he liked the ‘sporty’ look. Metallic blue with silver. They looked more like ski poles than a cane. He was willing to give them a shot.

Colour me impressed.

His speed doubled and his surefootedness was stellar. Instead of just walking across the yard (complaining the whole way) as I expected. He wanted to continue walking. We walked to the start of the garden which was an additional 40 metres (125 feet) and back. (yes, we have a huge-ass yard)

When we got back to thehouse, he was barely winded. Usually he’d be struggling by the time we get into a store after parking – half the distance.

The second time we took them out for a spin, we walked all the way to the end of our property (another 30 metres/90 feet)

Best of all, despite his grumbling at the beginning, he had a huge grin on his face as we reached the porch. He was proud of what he’d just accomplished.

A solid win in my book.