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14 March, 2025
David Joy
David Joy
Sales Manager

5 Key Benefits of a Reclining Chair for Independence

People over 65 sit an average of 10 hours a day. The right or wrong chair can significantly impact their lives.

Humans are great at choosing the path of least resistance. It’s what makes us highly productive at being lazy. This is not a criticism, in fact, quite the opposite. Kudos to the person who gets more done with less effort. I listened to a podcast today, and the host said we now live in an age where we can put a roof over our heads and feed our families while lying in bed with just a laptop… I’d add a coffee to that. When thinking about independence, we should consider how we help people be more independent, allowing them to live a fulfilling life with less effort. For this episode, I’m focusing on the riser recliner chair.

Why a Chair Matters More Than You Think

People over 65 sit for an average of 10+ hours a day. If there’s one piece of furniture that can significantly impact their comfort, health, and independence, it’s their chair. As we age, our bodies go through unavoidable changes. Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling makes movement difficult, and poor circulation weakens muscles.

These common conditions lead to reduced mobility, which, in turn, worsens these very symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.

A standard chair can often make things worse:

  • Feet are too low - making it harder for blood to circulate, leading to swollen ankles and legs.

  • Spinal pressure increases - causing lower back pain.

  • Getting up requires effort - increasing the risk of falls or strain on the joints.

Enter the Reclining Chair

Not all reclining chairs are the same, and finding the right one is crucial, but that’s a topic for another day.

For now, let’s focus on how a good riser recliner chair can not only improve comfort but also actively reduce the symptoms of medical conditions, helping people feel better, move easier, and live more independently.

Key Benefits of a Reclining Chair

  • Improves Circulation – Elevating the legs helps blood flow efficiently, reducing swelling and discomfort.

  • Reduces Back and Joint Pain – Supports posture and distributes weight evenly, easing pressure on the spine, knees, and hips.

  • Restores Independence – The riser function makes getting up effortless, reducing the risk of falls and strain.

  • Enhances Relaxation and Well-Being – Less muscle tension and improved positioning mean better comfort and even better sleep.

  • Prevents Further Health Decline – Encourages movement, supports mobility, and slows down the progression of common health issues.

Final Thought: Are You Sitting Comfortably?

A good chair isn’t just about comfort, it’s about independence, health, and improving quality of life. If you or a loved one spends hours sitting, ask yourself:

Is your chair helping or hurting your body?

Are you making your health better or unknowingly making it worse?

I invite you, the reader, to get involved, share your stories and advice. To those who have left comments and shared personal experiences: thank you. Your insights help others make informed decisions.

If you do need any advice on reclining chairs, please get in touch, I would love to help!

About the Author

David Joy

David Joy

Thirteen years ago, our Co-Founder Brendan Deering invited me to join Comfort Plus, believing my personality and positive outlook would help create the unique Comfort Plus Experience in retirement homes. I was grateful for the opportunity, having already admired the company’s heartfelt mission to enhance the lives of those in their retirement years.

Over the years, I have developed a deep understanding of what truly matters to people at this stage of life and have proudly helped nearly 4,000 customers find products tailored to their needs – improving comfort and often prolonging independence.

Outside of work, I love a challenge and have completed charity events including London to Brighton, Buckingham Palace to Windsor bike rides, and the Three Peaks Challenge. Life at home is equally busy and fun with my partner, our four grown-up children, grandson, and miniature dachshund – the real boss of the family!