8 Beach Chairs for Elderly Adults on Vacation

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In this article, I’ll review the best beach chairs for senior citizens who are going on vacation.

We’ll look at a variety of chairs while going over the pros and cons to make sure that you find the chair that fits your needs.

After researching for hours and testing a dozen products, the Timber Ridge Gravity Zero Chair came out best overall. It held my weight excellently well and is easy to carry for an older adult like myself.

However, different chairs work better for different people– this is the one that is preferred, as it has all of the features and comfort needed to be the best overall.  Even though I think the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity chair is the most comfortable beach chair, zero gravity chairs may not work for you.

So, let’s check out some of the best beach chairs for seniors!


Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair – Best Overall Beach Chair

Timber ridge oversized zero gravity chair padded patio lounger with cup holder support 350lbs (blue)

This beach chair features a strengthened steel frame, and high-quality cord, making it a fantastic beach chair for plus-sized seniors and can comfortably carry 350 lbs.

This chair is one of those often seen zero-gravity chairs, and rightly so too, because it makes you feel like you’re floating in the air. The chair folds flawlessly with the locking levers being easy to adjust to allow you to set up the chair in various reclining positions from upright to entirely parallel to the ground.

Additionally, the chair uses breathable fabrics for optimum comfort under the sun. It has a cushioned seat and there’s a removable pillow to provide vital head and neck support. This chair boasts a sweet bonus when you discover that there’s a folding, sliding side table to keep your phone or drink while in full relaxation mode!

While designed for the beach, this portable folding chair won’t be out of place on your lawn and is an exceptional choice for outdoor activities — it may replace your favorite camp chair. It also works well indoors. This is one of the best beach chairs for elderly as it helps people with mobility issues stand up without discomfort.

Pros

  • Lightweight chair at 22 lbs
  • Maximum load at 350 lbs
  • Comfy and breathable fabrics
  • Easy to fold and unfold
  • Reclines
  • Bonus side table with oversized cup holder

Cons

  • Fabric may fade easily

Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair – Best Beach Chair for Utilities

410ifp5eadl. Sl500

It’s a fact the best beach chairs for elderly adults need to be comfy, lightweight, and easy to set up. This chair ticks all the boxes and is a dependable companion on the beach or used on an outdoor adventure. 

It is a portable folding chair that is comfy, thanks to the extra cushions for your backside. The seat is an astounding 24 inches and perfect for plus-sized seniors. Moreover, the chair has a glut of gizmos and pockets, ideal for keeping your valuables safe while you take a snooze or fish from the shore. 

It also has an easy-reach insulated cooler pouch that can help you store up to four cans, including a cup holder to keep your drinks. If you like to read, this chair will help you keep your books and magazines close by with a large storage pouch under the right armrest.

It is multifunctional, ideal for beach trips and indoor use, and uses materials for extended service life such as a durable steel frame.  The chair also has an excellent height. Many standard beach chairs focus on weight, but this chair is 18″ off the ground, making it easy to get up without support. The arm rests are also adjustable for that perfect fit.

The product supports a maximum weight capacity of 325 lbs, making one of the best beach chairs ideal for seniors who want to play with the grandchild on their lap.

The carry bag is a thoughtful touch making it a portable chair and easy to store.

Pros

  • Affordable for any budget
  • Comfortable for plus size people
  • Easy to set up and fold away
  • Cushion for back support
  • Lightweight
  • Built-in beverage holder and cooler

Cons

  • Not as durable as others

Oniva Sports Chair with Side Table – Best Beach Chair for Sturdiness

Sports chair with side table - beach chair - camp chair for adults, (hunter green)

When it comes to beach chairs for older adults, stability and sturdiness are definitely going to be a feature to consider. Likely the sturdiest of beach chairs is the Oniva Sports Chair.

The chair folds flat to make it easy to transport from the car to the beach (or campsite) with carry loops on the padded armrests or maybe you’ll find it easier to carry with the detachable shoulder strap!

The Oniva chair unfolds with one simple movement of pulling the arms away from each other then pushing down on the seat to lock the chair into place. This creates an ultra-stable chair that won’t accidentally unfold or tip you out of the seat.

There are some convenient accessories that come with this beach chair: a side table that is perfect for setting your plate of food or drinks on or can fit an iPad or book. There are six accessory pockets– some with Velcro closures to keep contents inside. Other pockets are mesh and could easily hold sunglasses or a cell phone. There’s even a large, flat pocket on the inside of the chair arm to hold papers or a magazine.

Have a beach umbrella? There are loops on the back of the chair and legs to hold an umbrella pole to keep the sun off!

This beach chair has an extra wide seat at 19″ and can hold up to a 300 lb weight capacity. If anything goes wrong with the chair, Picnic Time, the company from California that sells this chair, offers a lifetime replacement guarantee.

Pros

  • Easy transport — use carry handles or removable shoulder strap
  • Fold flat
  • Tons of accessories
  • Sets up and breaks down quickly
  • Extra large seat
  • No assembly needed
  • Lifetime guarantee

Cons

  • May be bulky during transport
  • No ability to recline

Core Tension Chair with Carry Bag – Best Beach Chair without Cushion

Core equipment tension chair with carry bag, gray

You’ll love the Core Tension Chair as it utilizes a no-frills design– it doesn’t even have a cushion– yet it delivers comfort with stunning minimalism. The product has a mesh backrest that allows the air to flow to ensure you stay cool during the hot summer days.

After unfolding, one trick is to gently push on the weather resistant steel frame to get a perfect tension which not only helps your back but improves your posture. The 600D polyester seat allows you to sit comfortably all day long, keeping your mind at peace. 

The chair has many hidden features that aren’t immediately apparent. Instead of two cup holders like most beach chairs, this beach chair has a cup holder on the right armrest and a cellphone holder on the left side.

That said, this beach chair makes it to this “best beach chairs for elderly adults” because of its ability to provide comfort without cushions and lightweight design. It also has outstanding portability, is easy to fold and put away, and comes with a carry bag making it easy for an elderly person to transport.

Pros

  • Unpretentious design
  • Functional accessories
  • Breathable fabrics
  • Easy to transport
  • Easy to sit in and stand up
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Limited colors
  • Minimal lumbar support

Lafuma Futura XL Air Comfort Zero Gravity Chair- Best for Beach Chair for Largest Seat

Lafuma futura xl air comfort zero gravity chair (acier black) extra large padded recliner & outdoor folding patio lounger

Another of the best beach chairs on our list, the Lafuma Futura XL Air Comfort Zero Gravity Chair may become your new beach chair. Of all the gravity beach chairs, this one is likely the longest and widest of designs– making it one of the most comfortable beach chairs for elderly folks. This beach chair can be reclined into multiple positions and provides zero gravity relief to alleviate spinal stress and back pain. In addition, the seat consists of three layers of UV-resistant Batyline fabric and ultra-thick padding for maximum comfort making it a top pick of the many beach chairs for an elderly person.

The Lafuma zero gravity beach chair fabric is breathable, allowing you to stay cool while enjoying the outdoors. It doesn’t stick to the skin and make you itch, and you can rest on this chair for long hours. The frame uses galvanized powder-coated steel frame to hold a maximum of 330 lbs.

Like all Zero Gravity Chairs, this reclining beach chair keeps you suspended without any force acting on your body. While it doesn’t have a drink holder like other beach chairs, it does have ergonomic armrests, an adjustable padded headrest, and a footrest for an additional layer of comfort and protection.

It is portable, foldable, and at 22.1 lbs, easy to carry to the beach, sports games, cookouts, camping trips, and anywhere else you need to be.

Pros

  • Multiple positions from upright to reclining
  • Very comfy
  • Useful outdoors and indoors

Cons

  • Lumbar support is minimal

GoPlus Outdoor Canopy Chair – Best Umbrella Beach Chair for Sun Protection

Goplus outdoor canopy chair, heavy duty camping chair durable folding seat w/cup holder and carry bag (red)

This product is one of the best chairs for elderly people, especially for sunny days at the beach when there’s a possibility of sunburn. The GoPlus is a comfortable beach chair with padded armrests and an attached umbrella for sun protection. Heat and sun damage can affect seniors differently than younger people, and the chair provides a cool shade when the sun is too hot to handle. 

A nice perk is that the canopy is detachable, allowing you the flexibility of enjoying the sun or shade. The chair is water-resistant thanks to its PVC-coated textile, and the sturdy steel tube provides support up to a 265 lb weight capacity– impressive when you consider the chair’s weight is 13 lbs– but it is not the lightest chair on the market. The chair weight may make it a little on the heavy side but it has the sturdiness that most beach chairs don’t.

It may not have the widest seat at 25″, but it is spacious and has a ground clearance of 18″ which makes it a great beach chair for seniors who find it challenging to sit in low chairs because of their back. Taller seniors may appreciate the GoPlus as well– I would put it in the category of high back beach chairs since it has a lofty ground clearance making it easier to get in and out of.

Pros

  • Two cup holders
  • Padded armrests
  • No assembly required
  • Removable canopy for protection from the sun
  • Carry bag for easy transport
  • Washable, breathable material

Cons

  • It can be uncomfortable for smaller people due to high ground clearance

Rio Beach 4-Position Beach Chair – Best Wearable Beach Chair

Rio beach 4-position backpack lace-up suspension folding beach chair, bright stripe

This product is the ideal chair for elderly people who enjoy frequent beach days. It’s more like a regular beach chair– it’s foldable and features a lightweight aluminum frame making it easy to wear like a bag using the padded shoulder straps, much like a backpack. This makes the Rio Beach folding chair very easy to transport when walking to a different spot on the beach or back to your car.

The chair sits low in the soft sand and ensures you stay sitting comfortably for a long time. It has an extra spacious storage pouch to keep all your essentials, an adjustable pillow for support, a cup holder, and the signature lace-up back for added functionality. 

It is a durable, weather-resistant chair for the sunniest beach days and has a maximum weight load of 240 lbs. You can recline this chair in four positions, and the adjustable headrest makes it easier on your neck.

Pros

  • Backpack straps/shoulder straps make it ideal for transport
  • Large storage container for valuables
  • Lace-up suspension design for joint relief
  • Tilt lock to secure firmly secure chair position 
  • Corrosion-resistant, sturdy aluminum frame

Cons

  • Assembly is a bit difficult

Portal Oversized Quad Folding Camp Chair – Best Beach Chair for Your Budget

Portal oversized quad folding camping chair high back cup holder hard armrest storage pockets carry bag included, support 300 lbs, black

The Portal Oversized Quad Folding Camp Chair beach chair is one of the most affordable chairs for its quality on our list. The chair material is heavy-duty polyester, and the steel tubes provide exceptional balance. It has a ground clearance of 15″, making it one of the most ideal size beach chairs for seniors of all heights.

The high back beach chair takes care of bad knees and the backrest covers your entire back. One fantastic feature about this chair is the weight-to-load capacity. The chair is one of the lightest you’ll ever find at 11.8 lbs and still has a maximum load of 300 lbs making it the perfect beach chair when it comes to lightweight portability for the elderly.

It comes with a hard-padded armrest that provides mobility support. It is also worth pointing out that the backrest features a hole-sized mesh for aeration and breathability.

Pros

  • Two portable ways to transport
  • Small but mighty 11lbs/300lbs
  • Provides back comfort
  • Spacious side pocket
  • Swivel cup holder

Cons

  • Price varies by color
  • The bag may be too small to fit the chair easily

Buying Guide: Best Beach Chair for Elderly Adults

There are hundreds of beach chairs on the market, and it can be a challenge to find the best beach chair for you. We’ve put together a guide that will ensure you select the best chair for your needs.

Comfort

The most critical factor in choosing the best beach chair for older people is comfort– the best beach chairs must provide maximum comfort and safety. Comfort can equate to a collective group of features such as headrests, lumbar support and options to recline the beach chair.

Adjustable

Seniors are likely to have stiff joints and back pain when sitting in one position for too long. That’s why the best beach chairs for the elderly must spot an adjustable design. Whether this means the chairs reclines to fully flat or just a few degrees is your choice. Adjustable arms are an option to consider as well. Accessories can also be adjustable such as tables or cup holders that can be moved to suit your needs.

Portability

For seniors, portability plays a big roll in overall satisfaction of the beach chair. If arm strength is a challenge, look for chairs that are lightweight. Most chairs have some type of accessory or handle to help carry them to your favorite spot on the beach. This could include a carry bag for the foldable chair. Some even come with straps that turn them into a backpack beach chair for better portability.

Breathability

You’ll be sitting on this chair for a long time under the sun, so the fabric must be breathable. This feature ensures you stay cool even when the weather is hot. A good blend of fibers may be a better option over a full plastic chair seat.

Height, Depth and Width

The beauty of beach chairs for the elderly is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. For instance, if the ground clearance is too high, the chair may be uncomfortable for shorter folks. If it’s too low, taller folks will have a hard time getting out of the chair.

The width and depth are also important. The seat must be wide enough to accommodate plus-sized seniors and sufficiently deep without the feeling of sinking. Ensure you pick a chair with mobility support for easy standing and sitting.

Material

This factor determines the service life of the product and cost. Higher quality materials don’t always mean better comfort, but it often results in a more expensive product. However, this can also translate into a longer-lasting beach chair, depending on the design. Look for steel or heavy-duty aluminum frames, rust-resistant paint, fade-proof fabrics, etc.

Wrapping Up

Remember, as you search for beach chairs for older adults, make sure they are lightweight, comfortable and durable.

If you have an elderly relative who spends a lot of time at the beach or out fishing– I recommend getting them one of these top-rated chairs for your summer vacation!   The products on this list are the best in their categories and are worth checking out.

However, if you’re still undecided about buying a chair, go for the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair. It’s the best in a highly-competitive list and will provide you with excellent value.

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