I use my cane whenever I'm going to be walking for more than a few minutes or if I may end up standing in line someplace. For me, having the cane to lean on prevents sciatica from starting up. I should have swallowed my pride and used it regularly years ago! And I paint my canes. If I'm going to use one at my (somewhat) young age, I'm going to have FUN canes! I have one painted like a candy cane for Christmas.