"The Shuffler," a device created to help prevent falls in older people, as well as those who are disabled or frail, by building leg strength and muscle tone. Falling is a harsh reality as people age and is often a result of losing muscle mass, a condition called sarcopenia, which starts around age 50.
The inventor of the shuffler, who suffers from spinal stenosis, conceived the idea after experiencing falls two to three times a week; the device allows users to move their feet while sitting, such as when watching TV. The main idea behind the device is to keep people mobile for as long as possible.
The shuffler has been trialed in care homes and community settings, including a eight-week trial at the Romney Marsh community hub. One person who used it reported that their legs felt strengthened, making it easier to walk upstairs, and another person mentioned improved circulation after using it for up to an hour a day. Falls cost the National Health Service (NHS) billions annually, and the inventors hope the health service will see the advantage of their creation to address this challenge.