DEAR DR. GOTT:
You recently published a letter about the use of a rocking chair by the elderly. Rocking is a soothing activity, but the chair itself is often a problem. As one leans forward, the front of the chair lowers which makes getting up difficult. Also, since many elderly need to use armrests for support, the movement of the chair means the arm rest is not steady. I caution the elderly to avoid low chairs and any chair that rocks, swivels or glides. I am a physical therapist with years of experience in home care, so I’ve seen the problems seniors face.

DEAR READER:
Thank you for your excellent insight about the use of rocking chairs by the elderly. You are, of course, right on the money when dealing with seniors. Fortunately, many elderly people can walk, stand, and get out of a chair with relative ease. In these instances, a rocking chair on the porch need not be an invitation to a catastrophe, but each case should be evaluated by family members or appropriate medical personnel.