Best Beach Chairs for the Elderly

There’s a reason retirees are most likely found in Arizona and Florida, and it’s not the museums or the shopping malls. Although the educational landmarks and fashion are perfectly fine, the beautiful weather and stunning beaches are what makes people want to spend the rest of their days in these locations.

Seniors want a peaceful place to sit back and relax—literally. But while people from all demographics are hanging out on the beach, seniors specifically need the best beach chairs for the elderly to comfortably relax.

Whether it’s outdoor folding chairs, a tall beach chair or other folding lawn chairs, the idea is to make sure the chairs are heavy duty enough to efficiently support one’s body weight, tall enough to avoid them feeling stiff and strong enough for seniors to not feel like they can fall.

It’s not just a matter of maximum weight requirements; there’s also being able to easily rise and sit as needed. Each of the 12 chairs below were chosen with these goals in mind. But in addition to finding a chair that works for seniors and other family members, make sure that these 12 are ones you’ll want for the long haul.

Best Beach Chairs for the Elderly

1. Flamaker Patio Zero Gravity Chair

Consider this zero gravity chair for a secure option that has a freely lockable control.

Key Features

• Durable textilence fabric
• Bungee rope
• Reinforced steel tube

This lounge chair—which can be used poolside, in a yard, camping or at the beach—has a 165-degree wide angle adjustment and can hold up to 300 pounds.  There are no assembly requirements. If you stain it, a wet or dry cloth could be used to clean it.

Pros

• Adjustable head pillow
• Skid-proof footrest

Cons

• Several users reported the chairs started to run and stain onto the patio, after rainy days in as little as two weeks
• A few users reported the locking mechanism and lock for angle positioning would not work correctly

This chair, which is foldable with space-saving features, has an inverted, triangular structure that is designed according to ergonomics to reduce muscle tension and stress.

2. Goplus Outdoor Canopy Chair

This beach chair with canopy options can come off when you don’t need it and attach when you do, for those sunny, hot days.

Key Features

• High-quality 600D PVC fabric
• Removable canopy
• Two cup holders

Pull this chair out of its carry-on bag (included) and set up with ease. It holds up to 265 pounds, and no tools are required. The padded armrest and oversize frame ensures comfort, and the cup holders give you an excuse to mix your favorite drinks.

Pros

• Strong, stable feet (with supporting steel tubes)
• Sun protection

Cons

• One user felt it was too heavy (at 15 pounds) but made sense for a non-standard beach chair
• One user found it difficult to snap the outside posts into their clamps

If/when your beach visit is over, you can also remove the washable material to clean as needed.

3. Helinox

This helinox beach chair has splayed legs to get a good grip on the sand so one should not slide around.

Key Features

• Carry bag (made from polyester)
• Available in three colors (blue stripe, green block, black)
• Mesh ventilation panels

With the ability to hold up to 320 pounds, this lightweight chair is made from advanced proprietary aluminum alloy for maximum strength. With a seat-height of 6 inches and an assembled chair (23 x 28 x 31 inches), this option only weighs 3.5 pounds.

Pros

• Carry bag converts to headrest
• Collapsible

Cons

• One user believes it’s not strong enough for adults, only kids
• Because it’s lower to the ground, it may be a con for seniors with bad knees

This beach chair is covered by a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.

4. Ozark Trail Ultra High Back Folding

Adjust feet as needed, and enjoy your next camping, tailgating, beach or BBQ party.

Key Features

• Durable steel frame
• Fabric cup holder
• Adjustable feet

With the ability to hold up to 300 pounds, you can sit back and relax with this ultra chair intended to assist with proper posture while still being comfortable.

Pros

• High-back construction
• Headrest for support

Cons

• One user reported the chair lead to back pain
• One extra step for the headrest

When you’re finished with your beach visit, put the chair in the bag and move along for your next adventure.

5. Timber Ridge

With a soft headrest and tough ABS armrest, this padded beach chair is perfect for outdoor activities.

Key Features

• Carry bag
• Aluminum frame
• Available in two colors (blue, green)

With the ability to support up to 300 pounds, this thick-foam padded high back and seat makes relaxing outside more comfortable. The chair (20 x 17 x 37.5) is made from an aluminum frame and polyester material.

Pros

• Padded for outdoor, lawn, garden needs
• Lightweight (9.5 pounds)

Cons

• One reviewer complained of the chair being lower than pictured
• Another reviewer described the armrests as “low quality plastic”

This chair is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against any defective workmanship and material.

6. Ever Advanced Oversize Recliner

Sold in green and olive green, sit down and enjoy the sand or lay back and enjoy the scene. Fully functional to lean back or sit straight up, this chair will lock into place at your preferred angle.

Key Features

• Recliner
• Skid-proof frame
• Strong double rope

With the ability to support 350 pounds, the padded seat in this ergonomic chair (29 x 32 x 45) has a portable cup holder and adjustable padding on the body and head area. The ground seat height is 22 inches. The height of the chair is 30 inches while the seat width is 21 inches. And there is no assembly required.

Pros

• Adjustable headrest (detachable)
• Extra-large armrest

Cons

• One user, who is 6’2, said the make of the chair is not ideal for tall people
• Several users reported breaks in chair structure

When fully reclined, the seat will lean back to 72 inches.

7. Galsoar

With a lower center of gravity and better stability, this outdoor portable chair can hold up to 300 pounds.

Key Features

• 800D Oxford fabric
• External mesh pocket
• One-piece connector

This heavy-duty chair has reinforced pole pockets and a carry bag for easy traveling. With 16 mm high-strength steel and an aluminum frame, this should only take a few seconds for setup.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Anti-slip feet design

Cons

• Not ideal for people with back problems
• Several users complained of wiggling or lack of sturdiness

This product is covered by a one-year guarantee.

8. Core Equipment

With your phone on one side and your beverage on the other, this is the perfect chair to sit back and relax on the beach.

Key Features

• Padded quilt quad chair
• Cell phone pocket
• 600D brushed polyester with a soft-touch seat

This chair (36 x 24 x 38 inches) comes with a carry bag and strap for easy transport and storage. It can hold up to 300 pounds.

Pros

• Vertical legs and X braces for added strength and support
• Several users complimented the comfort

Cons

• Phone may stick up rather high, depending upon the phone
• A few users complained of discomfort in their legs from the hard-framed design

This chair is covered by a one-year limited warranty.

9. Quik Shade Max

The shade on this chair will raise, lower and tilt with no extra adjustments. Make sure to use this chair for maximum sun protection.

Key Features

• Portable folding camp chair
• Adjustable MAX shade canopy
• Two fabric and mesh cup holders

This max shade chair is made up of a durable steel frame with a higher arched back, a 22.5-inch wide seat and tough 300 x 600D polyester fabric. The extra strong chair fabric bag also comes with a carry strap for easy travel of the nine-pound chair.

Pros

• Portable
• Water and stain resistant

Cons

• Material on arm rest tore for one user
• Outdoor material faded within a week for another user

There is no assembly required. Just open the chair, and the shade add-on will click into place with one quick motion.

10. Sun Garden Lounger

This portable chair, with its ergonomic design, can be stretched to the zero-load state of the human body. This folding chair is a stress reliever.

Key Features

• Embroidered (detachable) cotton pad
• Available in seven color schemes of blue, red, black and/or purple
• High-quality lock

With a solid screw stabilized chair frame and a durable metal frame, this chair is designed to keep you securely in place while you adjust from zero to 166 degrees. There’s also a bottom reinforcement support bracket to keep the chair from sliding or involuntarily folding while sitting in it. It can hold a maximum capacity of 380 pounds, has widened handrails, built-in steel tube reinforcement and a double-row latex high elastic rope.

Pros

• Non-slip mat
• Easy to fold

Cons

• Padding may be hot on more humid days
• May require assistance to operate lock for first time

This chair is reinforced by waterproof teslin fabric in case your beach trip gets rained on.

11. YXYH Rocking Chairs

Sit, recline, rock or shake with this outdoor rocking chair. Unlike the usual beach chair that stays in place, this one may be more enjoyable along the lakefront or cement area to get a good rocking motion in.

Key Features

• Eco-friendly fabric
• Metal and steel structure
• Thick armrests

This rocking chair, which holds up to 440 pounds maximum, is designed according to ergonomics.

Pros

• No installation
• No noise

Cons

• Heavier to carry (30 pounds)
• May have to find a suitable area to make sure it can rock properly

You’re welcome to sit in the seat and enjoy the scenery. If you’re feeling particularly comfortable and have some free time, snuggle up to sleep in it, too.

12. RIO Beach

With this backpack folding beach chair, you can adjust without worrying about jamming your fingers or hands within the brackets.

Key Features

• Available in six color combinations (blue, blue-green stripe, bright stripe, light blue, multi-stripe, navy)
• Four-position, easy-adjust recline
• Backpack shoulder strap

This chair (44.7 x 25.5 x 26.5 inches) comes in a large pouch with an adjustable pillow and cup holder. The flexible, lace-up suspension design supports and conforms to one’s body. It’s both fashionable and functional, with durable rust-proof aluminum.

Pros

• Hands-free portability
• Lightweight to carry (8 pounds)

Cons

• Seams reportedly pulled out in multiple areas with several users
• One user reported it smelled like fish

These Rio Beach chairs have stitching in 16 different places to reinforce the fabric strength. Enjoy the thick, high-quality 600 denier fabric construction made to withstand everyday usage.

Bottom Line

Of the 12 options above, there’s bound to be one chair that’s right for you. You may have to sift through a few Goldilocks reviews or be Goldilocks yourself to find the right one though. Whereas a kid can hop right up from a chair of any size, seniors have different needs when it comes to structure, height, flexibility, standing ease and using rockers. Any old beach chair simply will not work for a senior audience. While all of the beach chairs have their respective levels of comfort and stability, pay attention the measurements, too. One person who is tall probably won’t have the same experience as someone with a shorter stature. The back area and leg frames must be comfortable enough for a taller senior to move his or her legs around, and be able to lean back without the chair stabbing mid-back.

Seniors of various physical statures and weight will also have varying experiences when it comes to feeling confident enough to ease into the seat. While reading the reviews above, keep comfort and structure in mind to choose a beach chair that fits each particular body’s needs. If a chair does not hold a particular weight, avoid taking one’s chances on that chair. Find one that will properly hold weight up to avoid wearing a weaker chair out early.

Because beach chairs usually need to be carried around, make sure that the weight of the actual chair (plus accessories) is practical for your hangout needs. Luckily carry-on bags have become more common than not. In more humid, sunny communities, shade canopies will also come in handy for those who want to hang out in the sun without boiling the sun. Just grab your chair, your sandals, and a drink or two to stay refreshed.

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