Are you looking for a lightweight vacuum cleaner that won’t break your back or that you can manage if you happen to be living with arthritis?
If you’re elderly, you know how important it is to find a vacuum that’s easy to carry around and to maintain.
Housework can become difficult or even unmanageable. Cleaning the bathroom is a struggle, and maneuvering a heavy vacuum cleaner is a chore in itself. Many seniors suffer from arthritis, which alone makes lifting anything heavy virtually impossible.
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The Benefits Of Using A Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner
A lightweight vacuum cleaner can offer many benefits over a heavier model.
First, it is much easier to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. This can be a big advantage when cleaning hard-to-reach areas or when working in small apartments.
Second, a lightweight vacuum is also much easier to lift and carry up and down stairs. This can be a godsend for people with back pain or other mobility issues.
Finally, lightweight vacuums tend to be more affordable than their heavyweight counterparts. This makes them a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Whether you’re looking for something powerful or cordless, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll recommend the best vacuums on the market to consider for older adults.
What To Consider When Choosing A Vacuum Cleaner For Older Adults?
When looking for the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for elderly people, it is important to consider a few key ergonomic and design features.
- Weight is the first factor to consider. It should be easy to move out into the room and then throughout the house.
- Suction power is important. The vacuum should be able to pick up dirt and debris easily.
- How easy is it to maneuver? If it doesn’t turn easily and has to be picked up every time you have to vacuum a corner, then it may be too difficult to manage.
- Filtration is important. The vacuum cleaner should have a good filter so that dust and allergens are not released into the air.
- Ease of use. How easy is it to turn on and off? How easy is it to empty the bag or canister? How easy is it to clean the brush?
- The handle. For any person who is living with arthritis, especially in their hands, having the right handle will make all the difference in the world. If the handle is too small, it may be too difficult to grip. If it’s too large, it may be too painful to grip.
- Maintenance is important. The vacuum cleaner should be easy to maintain, with accessible parts that can be cleaned easily.
- Going with a cord or cordless option. For many seniors I would recommend cordless vacuums simply because there’s less of a chance of tripping over the electrical cord when vacuuming.
- Battery life. If you’re going to be using a cordless vacuum, then you will definitely want to make sure that it can provide a long enough battery life.
Regardless of which vacuum cleaner you choose, be sure to read the reviews before purchasing.
This will help you to make an informed decision about which vacuum is best for you.
Types Of Vacuum Cleaners
There are actually 22 different types of vacuum cleaners available on the market today. Most can do both carpeted and hardwood floors and others, not so much.
However, for elderly adults, we would recommend any of the following 10 types of vacuum cleaners.
Choose from any of the following below.
Lightweight vacuum cleaners are generally easier to push and pull around, and some also have a powerful suction motor.
This makes them ideal for picking up dirt and dust from carpets and hard floors. And they are also ideal for older adults to manage.
But they’re not always the most powerful vacuums so check the reviews carefully before choosing one.
Cordless vacuum cleaners are the safest type of vacuum cleaners (in my opinion). They are perfect for cleaning tight spaces and stairs.
They are usually very lightweight and easy to maneuver, and they can also have a powerful motor.
Stick vacuum cleaners are usually lightweight, cordless and bagless. All of this makes them easy to maneuver.
They may not have a powerful motor so if your home is filled with thick carpets, this vacuum cleaner may not do the job you want it to do.
Bagless vacuum cleaners are generally lightweight and easy to maneuver. Instead of a bag they often use a small canister to collect the debris they pick up.
If the senior person can manage detaching, opening and re-attaching the canister, then this can be a good type of vacuum cleaner for them.
Handheld vacuum cleaners are lightweight and easy to use. The downside for older people is that you have to bend down to the floor to use it.
But then again, a handheld vacuum cleaner is perfect for use on upholstery, window blinds, etc.
Upright vacuum cleaners are the most popular type of vacuum cleaner. They have a large dustbin and a powerful motor, making them ideal for cleaning carpets.
But upright vacuums tend to be much heavier and may only be best suited for seniors who are strong enough and capable enough to handle them.
Canister vacuum cleaners are what most of our elderly parents grew up with. These vacuum cleaners are attached to a canister that they drag around while vacuuming.
Again, canister vacuums tend to be quite heavy and awkward to use.
Other Types Of Vacuum Cleaners To Consider
Robotic vacuum cleaners are the latest invention in the world of vacuum cleaners and a great option for older adults.
They can be controlled by a smart phone and some even have a self emptying container. Of course, you eventually have to empty that container.
I have a robot vacuum cleaner and I LOVE it!
Central vacuum systems are perfect for cleaning large homes. These are built in to the house and have a tank either in the basement or the garage.
There’s a vacuum unit built into a wall in each room of the house all connecting to that main tank.
The user simply plugs in the vacuum hose to the wall unit and begins vacuuming.
Carpet sweeper cleaners are perfect for cleaning carpets and hard floors.
They are lightweight and easy to maneuver. There’s no motor or suction, so they don’t work as well on rugs or deep carpets.
The bottom line is that the best vacuum cleaners are the ones that are easiest and safest to use and to maintain.
After all, if you have to lift a vacuum cleaner to clean out the brush and you can’t lift it, then it’s not going to be a good machine for you.
Here’s a quick rundown of the vacuum cleaners we are reviewing in this article.
| Vaccum Cleaner | Weight in Lbs | Runtime in Min | Noise Level |
| Black and Decker Power series Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum | 10.43 | 55 | 78dB |
| Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Light weight Corded Stick Vacuum | 3.0 | na | 75dB |
| Dyson V7 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum | 5.28 | 30 | na |
| Dyson V8 Motorhead Origin Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner | 9.33 | 40 | 78dB |
| Dyson V11 Animal Stick Vacuum Cleaner | 6.68 | 60 | 79dB |
| Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner | 7.7 | na | 82dB |
| Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless | 5.26 | 40 | 78dB |
| Hoover WindTunnel 3 Performance Pet Upright Vacuum | 18 | na | na |
| Shark Anti-Allergen Stick Vacuum | 7.17 | 50 | 84dB |
| Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base | 16.96 | na | na |
| Shark AZ2002 Vertex Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins | 16.38 | na | 80dB |
| Shark HV302 Rocket Pet Corded Stick Vacuum | 8 | na | na |
| Shark HV343AMZ Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum | 9.2 | na | na |
| Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum | 6.89 | 40 | 80dB |
| Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Stick Vacuum | 7.5 | na | 80dB |
| Shark Ultra-Lightweight Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum | 5.9 | na | 80dB |
| VonHaus Stick Vacuum Cleaner Vacuum Cleaner | 3.5 | na | 78dB |
| Whall 22Kpa Suction 250W Brushless Motor Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner | 8.45 | na | 75dB |
What Is The Easiest Vacuum To Push?
For senior citizens, lightweight vacuum cleaners are the easiest to push.
These vacuums are perfect for elderly people or those who don’t like to push, pull, and lug around heavy vacuums.
Some of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners include…
Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless
The RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and convenient vacuum cleaner that makes cleaning easy.
Powered by the latest motor technology, it has up to 40 minutes of fade-free runtime, and the specially designed Easy Rest nook allows you to safely prop the vacuum up on countertops and furniture.
The dust cup is in the front so you can lay the vacuum completely flat to reach under beds and furniture with ease.
Bright beams light the way so you can see dust particles and debris that might otherwise have been missed.
BISSELL PowerGlide Pet Slim Corded Vacuum
The BISSELL PowerGlide Pet Slim Corded Vacuum is perfect for tackling pet hair on carpets and hard surfaces.
With a full-size 30-ft. cord, swivel steering and brush roll on/off switch, it’s easy to move from room to room and clean all surfaces.
The Pet TurboEraser Tool, Crevice Tool and Dusting Brush help you get into tight spaces and remove dirt and hair from corners and edges.
Whall 22Kpa Suction 250W Brushless Motor Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
The Whall cordless vacuum cleaner with a large-capacity battery life provides up to 53 mins of daily cleaning in the standard mode (6kPa), the running time is longer than in older models, and MAX mode (22kPa) provides 14 mins of deep cleaning.
It’s able to be wall mounted to save storage space.
The V-shaped roller brush combines rigid and soft bristles, making the vacuum cleaner excellent on hard floors and carpets.
Bissell Featherweight Stick
The Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum is perfect for quick, convenient cleanups.
It’s powerful suction makes it great for picking up dirt and debris on hard floors and carpets, and it’s versatile design means it can be used as a stick vacuum, handle vacuum, or stair vacuum.
With a crevice tool for furniture and a floor nozzle for stairs, the Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum is perfect for cleaning all of your surfaces.
Dyson V7 Animal
The Dyson V7 Animal cord-free vacuum has a powerful built-in battery that provides up to 30 minutes of fade-free suction. It also saves time and energy with no bags to buy or replace.
The 15 cyclones, arranged across two tiers, work in parallel to increase airflow and capture more fine dust. It quickly transforms to a handheld for quick clean ups, spot cleaning.
The lightweight and balanced design makes it easy to move from floor to ceiling.
Best Lightweight Stick Vacuum Cleaner For Elderly
Stick vacuum cleaners are lightweight and easy to operate, making them a great choice for elderly people. Some are powered by batteries and some attach to a power unit that is plugged in.
Below are some of the best lightweight stick vacuum cleaners for seniors.
Shark Anti-Allergen Stick Vacuum
The battery on the Shark Anti-Allergen vacuum runs for 50 minutes. Plenty of time for most homes to be thoroughly vacuumed.
Also, this specific model is built to capture dust, dander, and allergens. Perfect for households with family members who have allergies.
But what I love the most about this vacuum is that it uses silicone fins instead of a bristle brush. If you have pets in your home, this vacuum is much easier to clean. No more pulling all that pet hair out of a bristle brush!
Shark HV343AMZ Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum
This Shark stick vacuum cleaner is perfect for deep carpet cleaning and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces.
The self-cleaning brushroll removes long hair and pet hair with no hair wrap, and the go-anywhere, lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver.
With the touch of a button, this vacuum cleaner transforms into a lightweight, portable handheld vacuum for excellent control and a low-profile design for under-furniture reach.
Features a 0.68-quart, removable, easy-to-empty dust cup and powerful LED lights.
Dyson V8 Motorhead Origin Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Looking for a lightweight stick vacuum cleaner that can handle all your cleaning needs? The Dyson V8 Motorhead Origin Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is perfect for removing pet hair from both hard floors and carpets.
With a powerful 450W motor and up to 40 minutes of runtime, this vacuum cleaner is perfect for busy households.
And with 4-Stage HEPA filtration, you can be sure that your home is free of harmful particles.
Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Light weight Corded Stick Vacuum
This Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik corded stick vacuum is perfect for quick and easy cleanups. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it great for cleaning tight spaces.
Plus, the on-board crevice tool extends your reach for those harder-to-reach areas.
And when you need to rinse your filter, it’s easy to access and quick to clean.
Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Stick Vacuum is a lightweight and cordless option for lightweight vacuuming. Weighing just 7.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry and use.
It features a powerful 25V lithium-ion battery for strong suction, and comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush, and pet hair brush for cleaning different areas.
Shark HV302 Rocket Pet Corded Stick Vacuum
The Shark HV302 Rocket Pet Corded Stick Vacuum is the perfect vacuum for cleaning up pet hair.
It’s ultra-powerful for cleaning on carpets and hard floors. The powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the pet-multi tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
With the touch of a button, this stick vacuum transforms into a lightweight, portable handheld vacuum. Fingertip controls allow you to easily switch from Hard Floor to Carpet mode.
At under 9 lbs., this ultra-lightweight vacuum is great for many older adults with pets.
What Is The Best Cordless Vacuum For The Elderly?
There are a few factors you’ll want to consider when looking for the best cordless vacuum cleaner for elderly people.
- The most important factor is weight – you want a vacuum that is lightweight and easy to push and pull around.
- You should also look for a vacuum with high suction power, in order to pick up more dirt and debris.
- Additionally, you’ll want to find a vacuum with a good dirt disposal system, so the dirt and debris doesn’t build up over time.
- Finally, you’ll want to find a vacuum that is easy to maintain.
Shark Ultra-Lightweight Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Shark WANDVAC System WS632 Ultra-Lightweight Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum is the most powerful cordless hand vacuum under 2.1 pounds.
It includes a portable charging base that fits almost anywhere in your home.
One quick touch to empty the dust cup with no mess.
Press the Boost button for extra bursts of strong suction for tougher messes.
PowerFins technology for continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets and directly engage floors.
Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is the perfect vacuum for everyday messes and high-traffic areas.
It provides incredible cleaning performance with a streamlined body that’s great for cleaning under furniture, while transforming to a hand vacuum for above-floor cleaning.
The removable dust cup has a CleanTouch Dirt Ejector that makes emptying quick and easy.
This stick vacuum also features an illuminated nozzle so you can easily spot hidden debris around the home.
Black and Decker Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
This is a cordless stick vacuum that comes with an angled floorhead.
It has the ability to convert into a hand vacuum with an extra-long crevice tool for stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach spaces.
The 20V MAX battery charges in or out of the vacuum for up to 55 minutes of runtime.
The patented brush bar with rubber bristles removes persistent pet hair and dirt for a more thorough clean.
It delivers up to 75% better debris pickup on carpet; filter provides up to twice the suction for powerful cleaning.
What Is The Lightest Upright Vacuum Cleaner?
When it comes to lightweight vacuum cleaners, there are a few different options to choose from.
If you are looking for a lightweight vacuum cleaner that is specifically designed for elderly people, the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner is the best option.
This vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it has high suction power. It also has a good dirt disposal system, and it is easy to maintain.
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The Eureka AirSpeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum weights 7.7 pounds. It is a powerful upright vacuum designed to clean all floor surfaces.
It has a quick release handle for effortless above floor cleaning.
The AirSpeed has a compact and featherweight design that makes it easy to store in any space in your home and carry anywhere.
With its cord rewind, you can easily store the cord when not in use. This vacuum contains one washable filter which can be rinsed and left to dry for no maintenance costs.
Is There Such A Thing As A Self Propelled Vacuum Cleaner?
Yes, there certainly is such a thing as a self propelled vacuum cleaner and it’s a great solution for older adults.
We all know the struggle of pushing a heavy vacuum around to clean our floors.
It’s exhausting, and you end up spending more time than necessary just because it takes some effort on your part!
But what if I told you there was an easier way?
I’m talking about a self propelled vacuum cleaner.
Self-propelled vacuums are the best because you don’t need to push it around. With a small motor and drive mechanism, these machines can go on their own!
These types of vacuum cleaners are equipped with two motors.
One motor for the suction (and all the components that go with that) and the second motor for propelling the machine.
The downside is that these vacuum cleaners are suitable for carpeted floors. They are NOT to be used on bare floors such as tile, wood, marble, etc.
One of the best self propelled vacuum cleaners on the market is by Shark.
Shark AZ2002 Vertex Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins
Shark’s Vertex Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is the most powerful vacuum ever. Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap and combines a soft roller and PowerFins brushroll on all floors.
It works with HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner, smooth maneuverability on hard floors and carpets while maintaining powerful suction.
Powerful lights on the nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.
Best Vacuum For Seniors With Arthritis
When it comes to vacuums for seniors with arthritis, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider.
- First, you’ll want to find a lightweight vacuum cleaner that is easy to push and pull.
- Additionally, you’ll want to find a vacuum with strong suction power to help suck up dirt and debris.
- Additionally, you’ll want to find a vacuum with a dustbin that is easy to empty and clean.
- Finally, you’ll want to find a vacuum that is easy to maintain.
Below are some of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners for seniors with arthritis.
Hoover WindTunnel
The Hoover WindTunnel 3 Pet is a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner that’s perfect for tackling stubborn pet hair and dirt on furniture, stairs, and hard to reach areas.
With its triple-chamber WindTunnel Technology and extra-wide nozzle, the WindTunnel 3 Pet creates efficient air flow to quickly remove dirt and pet hair from your home.
And with its on/off brushroll, you can easily transition between carpets and hard floors with the touch of a button.
Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base
A robotic vacuum cleaner is a great product for seniors who have problems with arthritis. They require very little manual work.
This robot vacuum cleans your floors with a superior combination of suction, brushroll agitation, and anti-allergen technology.
It has a self-emptying base that holds up to 45 days of dirt and debris.
The deep-cleaning power takes on large debris, small debris, and pet hair on carpets and floors.
It methodically cleans row by row and then navigates room to room for complete home coverage.
VonHaus Stick Vacuum Cleaner Vacuum Cleaner
The VonHaus 600W (max) Stick Vacuum Cleaner is perfect for both full-length and handheld cleaning.
The bagless vacuum has a 1.3L tank and a filtration system that locks in small particles, so they don’t re-circulate back into the air of your home.
The extendable handle easily glides over surfaces, and the 19.5 Foot Quick Release Power Cord lets you clean even hard-to-reach areas.
Dyson V11 Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson V11 Cord-free vacuum cleaner is the first cordless vacuum to combine powerful suction with a lightweight design.
The Dyson digital motor V11 delivers 40% more suction power than the previous model, and 2x the suction power of any other cordless vacuum.
It’s optimized for carpets and hard floors so you can clean your home with ease. And it’s easy to store thanks to its innovative storage solution that keeps it upright when not in use.
If you have arthritis and are struggling with vacuuming, don’t despair.
There is a vacuum cleaner out there just right for you and you can start looking for it by looking at the ones that we recommend above.
How To Care For Your Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner
In order to keep your vacuum in tip-top shape, it is important to regularly clean and maintain it. For most models, this will include cleaning the filters, emptying the dust cup, and changing the bag.
However, lightweight vacuum cleaners often have slightly different maintenance requirements. Here are a few tips on how to care for your lightweight vacuum:
Most of the time, you can simply rinse the filters with water to clean them. If they are very dirty, you may need to use a mild soap. Be sure to let the filters air dry completely before putting them back in the vacuum.
The dust cup on a lightweight vacuum is usually much smaller than on a full-size model. As a result, it needs to be emptied more frequently. To empty it, simply remove the cup and dump the contents into the trash.
Lightweight vacuums often use disposable bags, which need to be replaced when full. To change the bag, simply remove the old one and insert a new one. Make sure that the bag is properly seated in the vacuum before using it.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your lightweight vacuum cleaner running smoothly for years to come.
Conclusion
No matter how old you are, vacuuming can be a difficult task if you’re having to do it with a heavy and/or clumsy machine.
But fortunately, these days there are many lightweight models to choose from and even cordless models which are a safer option for many older adults.
So, whichever lightweight vacuum cleaner for elderly you choose, be sure to take into account your own specific needs and capabilities in order to make the most of this helpful household appliance.
We hope you’ve found this article helpful in your search for the best lightweight vacuum cleaner for elderly seniors.
