Once you’ve retired, you’ll have more time than ever to spend at the beach and listen to the ocean waves. But our bodies tend to change as we get older, and a regular beach chair might not give enough support or comfort. However, that shouldn’t stop you from participating in beach days with friends and family.
In this article, we’ll guide you through picking the best beach chairs for elderly people and review our top products. If you’re in a hurry, our favorite is the Best Choice Products Oversized Padded Zero Gravity Chair.
The best beach chairs for elderly include:
- Best Choice Products Oversized Padded Zero Gravity Chair is probably the best beach chair for the elderly overall as the zero gravity design is a little higher off the ground compared to other beach chairs.
- The Ever Advanced Oversize XL Zero Gravity Recliner could well be the most comfortable beach chair for seniors on account of the zero gravity design plus the adjustable headrest.
- Lafuma Futura XL Air Comfort Zero Gravity Recliner has the largest seat we could find.
- Goplus Outdoor Canopy Chair—Best Shade
- Portal Oversized Quad Folding Camping Chair—Most Budget-Friendly
- Giantex Set of 2 Patio Chairs—Most Lightweight
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Reviews of the Best Beach Chairs for Elderly
Best Choice Products Oversized Padded Zero Gravity Chair—Best Overall
Specs
This Padded Zero Gravity Chair uses high-quality Textilene fabric that’s both water-resistant and breathable, so you’ll have a non-sweaty session at the beach. The material is padded, and the chair also has armrests and an adjustable pillow so you can take a nice nap. Furthermore, the chair reclines up to 160 degrees, and you can easily change it to your liking due to the adjustable lock system.
In terms of measurements, the seat is 24 inches wide, which gives you more space to sit on than your regular beach chair. However, the backrest and height from the ground to the seat are 42 inches combined, which means that the backrest is shorter than 40 inches and the height from the ground up is less than 13 inches. Therefore, it’s not particularly knee-friendly.
Also, note that at 22 pounds, this folding chair is rather heavy and not a chair you want to carry for long periods. However, it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, so it’s suitable for most people. Finally, one remarkable feature of the chair is the tray that comes with it and is equipped with two cup holders, a tablet holder, and a phone mount where you can keep your belongings close to you.
The Verdict
Users love how easy to fold this recliner chair is, and they also like that it arrives at your door fully assembled. For elderly people who might struggle with bending and sitting on their knees, this is a plus. The fact that it doesn’t lock in two or three pre-decided positions and that you can adjust the reclining to your liking is another great feature.
Further pros of this product include the number of back support buyers state that this chair gives. In general, people report that they sit and sleep comfortably on this chair and that the padding does a lot in terms of ergonomics. It also looks good and comes in four colors: blue, gray, red, and tan.
While it’s a comfortable beach chair overall, according to customers, some wish there was even more padding for an ever plushier feel. Other complaints are that the locking mechanism has some issues and that it doesn’t always lock in the reclining position you’ve chosen but keeps folding up.
In Summary
The superb price, features, and comfort of this beach chair make it one of the best chairs on the market for the elderly. It’s easy to fold and set up, and feels comfortable and supportive as well.
However, it’s not the lightest chair out there, and while it’s able to recline to multiple angles, it doesn’t have the best locking mechanism. The lounge chair performs well in terms of back support, but knee support is perhaps lacking due to its low profile. Read the Reviews on Amazon >>
2. Lafuma Futura XL Air Comfort Zero Gravity Recliner—Largest Seat
Specs
Here’s another zero gravity recliner chair with an even larger seat that measures a whopping 35 inches and is great for larger people. It has a weight capacity of 330 pounds, which makes it a good fit for seniors who are on the bigger side. Also, you sit up at 19 inches from the ground, which places your legs at an ergonomic angle. The backrest is about 20 inches.
Other specs of the Futura XL is its three-layer padded seat that’s covered by UV-resistant and quick-drying Batyline-textile. Its frame is galvanized steel, which is very durable but perhaps adds some weight to the chair. It weighs 22.1 pounds in total and is on the heavier side.
Since the Futura XL is a zero gravity chair, it naturally reclines in whatever angle you choose for a customized feel. It also has armrests and a footbar where you can rest your limbs. There’s also a pillow that can be easily removed for washing. In fact, all the fabric on the chair can be taken off quickly if you want to wash it.
Finally, note that this chair doesn’t have holders for cups or storage where you can place your personal belongings.
The Verdict
With extra padding and a wide seat, buyers state that the Futura XL chair gives lumbar support and several people report that it relieves lower back pain due to the thick padding. It also keeps you warm. Other users report that it’s comfortable, and they especially like the neck support that you can slide up to use as a pillow or down for extra back support.
Another popular feature of the Futura is that it reclines further back than other models, and buyers also feel like water drains right through the chair and doesn’t form puddles. Furthermore, users state that the quality of the materials feels high in general.
However, some customers have complained about the armrests that aren’t the sturdiest. Also, since this is an XL model, shorter people might find that they’re too short to put their knees in a comfortable position. Finally, this chair may likely creak, and you should perhaps choose another model if you’re sensitive to noise.
In Summary
For larger or taller people, the Futura XL camping chair is a great fit with its large seat and the fact that it comes high up from the ground. It also has three layers of padding, and the pillow can be adjusted to support either your spine or your neck, with many stating that the chair relieves back pain. There are no cup holders on this recliner, however, and it’s a rather heavy option. Read the Reviews on Amazon >>
3. Goplus Outdoor Canopy Chair—Best Shade
Specs
The most prominent feature of the Goplus Outdoor Canopy Chair is that it has its own built-in umbrella. Heat tends to affect elderly people more than younger citizens, so it’s essential to stay out of direct sunlight as you grow older. But you can remove the canopy if you want to as well. Also, it comes with a carry bag, so it’s easy to transport.
The Goplus chair uses PVC-coated fabric that’s water-resistant, and its steel tubes make it sturdy and able to support up to 265 pounds of weight, even though it only weighs 15 pounds itself. The chair is about 25 inches wide, which is rather spacious, and is a whole 18 inches from the ground, which is great for elderly people who have trouble sitting down in low chairs.
Other specs include the two cup holders placed on the padded armrests, and it arrives already assembled, so no tools are necessary to put it up. Finally, the fabric on the chair is washable, but note that this product doesn’t come with a neck pillow.
The Verdict
Customers praise the sturdiness of this chair and that it stands securely on the ground, whether it’s concrete, grass, or sand. The robust steel tubes also have very supportive feet, and the chair build quality seems to be excellent in general.
Another aspect users like is that the sun canopy snaps in the back to stay in place securely, and some state that it doesn’t blow away even in strong winds.
Buyers also appreciate that the sunroof slides up and down easily, and the chair requires no assembly whatsoever. It also provides plenty of shade, and another plus is that the seat is pretty wide, so you’ll have more space for your tush.
While the camp chair isn’t heavier than the zero gravity ones on our list, it’s still heavy compared to the other more beach chair-looking products. It’s not easy to get it into the carrying bag either, and some people say that it’s almost impossible. Finally, users feel like a chair this heavy—also due to the sun canopy—needs two handles to carry, but it only has one handle.
In Summary
If you’re looking for a beach chair that provides shade as well, go for this canopy chair that comes with its own sun umbrella. It has its own carrying bag, sits high up from the ground, and is very sturdy, according to customers. However, while the fabric is thin and not the most comfortable, the chair still feels rather heavy to carry, according to buyers. Read the Reviews on Amazon >>
4. Portal Oversized Quad Folding Camping Chair—Most Budget-Friendly
Specs
This beach chair from Portal is the lowest-priced product on our list. The fabric is heavy-duty polyester, and the steel tubes make the chair stand sturdy. It doesn’t weigh much either, only 11.8 pounds. The accompanying carrying strap on the chair’s back makes it easy to transport, and you can also choose to stuff it in the bag that’s included.
The seat is placed 15 inches off the ground, which makes the chair knee-friendly, and the 16-inch backseat covers your whole back. It features a wide, 23-inch seat and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. Also, the armrest is foam padded but still hard, which means you can use it for support when you stand up and sit down from the chair.
What’s worth mentioning is that the back has a mesh hole for added breathability. Finally, this camp chair for the elderly includes a removable side pocket for easy storage of books or newspapers and a swivel cup holder.
The Verdict
According to customers, this is both a sturdy and comfortable chair that stands on all four legs rather than plastic junctions holding it together. The powder-coated steel frame is rust-resistant and durable, making this affordable chair long-lasting.
The vent on the backrest gives a nice breeze during hot days at the beach, and the wide seat and back make the folding chair super comfy overall. Users also state that it’s suited for “big guys” and it has a generous weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Further, the high and firm back relieves neck, shoulders, and head pain according to some buyers, by providing lots of support. However, this firmness means that it’s not the most cushioned chair. Also appreciated is that this beach chair folds up to a long shape and length that’s easy to carry.
Some complaints users have, however, are that the cup holder is too small to accommodate reusable water bottles, and it’s only fastened with a plastic ring to the chair, which seems a bit flimsy. It’s also reportedly rather stiff to unfold, and you might need some arm strength to pull it out as well as push it into the carry bag again.
In Summary
For all bargain-hunters, the Portal Oversized Quad is one of the best folding beach chairs on the market. While rather affordable, it doesn’t compromise on build quality, and it’s long, firm backrest provides great support that can help relieve stiffness in the shoulders and neck. But for those looking for a cushioned seat, this isn’t the best choice. Read the Reviews on Amazon >>
5. Giantex Set of 2 Patio Chairs—Most Lightweight
Specs
Weighing only 8.5 pounds per chair, this two-pack of patio chairs from Giantex are the lightest on our list, and they have a weight capacity of 250 pounds. They are portable folding chairs and ideal for the frequent beach-goer. But you can also use them indoors due to the equipped anti-skid rubber pads on their feet.
Furthermore, these beach chairs require no assembly, and with a lock catch device, they stay folded up when transported as well as keep sturdy when you sit on them. The 16.5-inch seat height is also good for your knees, but the backrest is less than 20 inches, which is rather short and might not provide a lot of back support.
In terms of material, the beach chairs consist of a heavy-duty steel frame and a breathable seat and back that has small holes. It doesn’t come with a cup holder or any pockets for storage, however, nor a pillow or any towel racks.
The Verdict
What users like the most about these beach chairs is that they require no assembly and are super easy to carry and fold due to their design and weight. Also, these chairs look attractive with their metal interlocking design and neutral, elegant colors.
The lock feature is also appreciated since it prevents the chairs from collapsing, which might otherwise be an issue with beach chairs.
As for cons, these aren’t the most supportive or comfortable beach chairs for the elderly. Several users complained that they didn’t get enough back support, and the seat isn’t cushioned, either. Others state that they blow away in the wind, which is the downfall of their lightness.
In Summary
If portability is the most important feature for you in a beach chair, the Giantex Patio Chairs are a superb choice. They’re lightweight, fold up small, and have a breathable seat as well. In terms of support for your back or neck, however, it’s not one of the best beach chairs for elderly and those with joint pain should instead invest in another product on the list. Read the Reviews on Amazon >>
How To Pick the Best Beach Chairs for Elderly
First things first, when choosing a beach chair for the elderly, you want it to be comfortable and supportive. Consider the following features:
Height and Width
While your traditional beach chair tends to be low from the ground so you can spread your legs out in the sand, these can be difficult to sit down in and get up from if you’re an older person. Therefore, chairs for elderly beach-goers should be at least 13 inches from the ground.
You also want a wide beach chair that will support your weight and have a comfortable backrest. The best ones have a width of about 25 inches, to give enough support.
Finally, consider how much weight the chair holds at maximum. Usually, the larger the seat dimensions, the more weight it supports.
Ergonomic Design
Seniors tend to suffer from joint pain in their knees or back to a larger extent than other citizens. If this is the case for you, invest in a chair that allows your knees to stay at a 90-degree bend—typically a higher angled seat—or that is designed to give lumbar support.
An ergonomically-friendly seat is always a plus as well that will position you in the best way for your joints. The best beach chairs for elderly also have a comfortable, well-cushioned seat.
Reclining Positions
Everyone loves to nap at the beach and to do so, you should invest in a folding chair that reclines. Perhaps you don’t want to choose between sitting straight up and laying flat down—especially if you have a hard time getting up from a completely lying-down position—and that’s why the best beach chairs for elderly are those with several reclining positions.
The most comfortable reclining beach chairs are those labeled zero gravity, but any that have multiple reclining positions will do.
Materials
For the chair itself, you want the fabric to be breathable, durable, and UV-resistant. Breathability will prevent the seat from getting sweaty and hot, and UV-protective fabrics stay cool to the touch.
So invest in a seat made of Textilene, which is a material that’s covered by waterproof PVC polyester and resists UV rays as well. It’s specifically made for outdoor use and is likely to last for a long time.
A more common material in a beach chair is mesh that also allows for airflow but isn’t as durable or UV-protected as Textilene.
The best beach chairs have legs and a frame that are rust-resistant and lightweight. As you may already know, our muscles are harder to maintain when we grow older and seniors might have a difficult time carrying heavy beach chairs. While powder-coated steel is durable, it can be rather heavy, and plastic is light but not necessarily that long-lasting. Instead, a good choice is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame.
Portability
As mentioned previously, light beach chairs are a good fit for older people. We suggest you go for one that weighs less than 20 pounds, but ideally the best beach chairs for elderly are around 15 pounds, so it’ll be easy to carry for long periods.
Most beach chairs these days are foldable and fit into a carry bag with a shoulder strap or even a backpack with two straps. Look for these products since they’re the easiest to transport.
Other Features
An additional feature to be on the lookout for is a cup holder where you can comfortably place a bottle of water or a beer can (as long as you’re not the one driving). Perhaps also consider getting a beach chair with pockets where you can store essentials such as keys and phones.
For ultimate comfort, you can also buy a beach chair that comes with a pillow to rest your head on. Sun-protective umbrellas and towel racks are additional features that will keep you dry and protected from the sun between dips in the water.
Conclusion: The Best Beach Chair for Elderly Is…
While all products on our list are great beach chairs for the elderly, our top pick must be the Best Choice Products Oversized Padded Zero Gravity Chair. For an affordable price, you get lots of comfort, support, and a zero gravity reclining chair that uses breathable and UV-resistant Textilene fabric.
It’s not the most portable chair out there, however, since it weighs more than 20 pounds. If portability is an important feature for you, perhaps you’ll want to invest in the Ablazer Folding Camping Chair instead, that only weighs 10.5 pounds, comes with a carry bag, and is nice to your wallet as well.
But which product on our list do you think is the best beach chair for elderly?
