My hips are failing me and I need an operation, but I can't clear the time needed to devote to recovery so I keep putting it off. I bought this cane to use in Italy while I lived there for three months this winter. I figured I would use it in museums to give me a periodic rest. The chairs in most museums are reserved for the guards so it can be a long time between seats. Anyway, I did that and found that this cane is too heavy to use on a daily basis. I'm about six feet tall and 250lbs. but I still find this cane to be tiring to carry around and just a bit on the tall side. The seat works well enough, though it's a bit odd to have a hook sticking out between your legs while in public, and getting on and off also requires paying attention. Closing it up takes a fair amount of muscle as well. I can't imagine an older person using this for any length of time. Also, the handle isn't padded, which I find necessary for any canes that I use on a daily basis. It does fit in the overhead compartments of all airlines, which is nice, and I like the way a cane gets me to the front of the boarding line, but I can't recommend this for anyone unless they are going to a specific site, setting it up and sitting down. Daily use isn't recommended.