Gesture & etiquette

Offer your arm bent at the elbow (not your hand) so they can hold it naturally; position yourself on their weaker or preferred side; take small, steady steps and pause briefly if they need to rest; never grip their arm — let them set the pace.

Framing assistance as 'walking together' (一緒に) rather than 'I'll help you walk' preserves the senior's sense of independence and dignity. Always position yourself on their weaker side, match their pace exactly, and never pull or rush them.