Now my arm is long enough !

 It seems that one takes for granted what we have until we no longer have it. Such is the case with my ability to reach down and pick up things. For the past year or so if things fell to the floor in my computer room they usually get left there until I get around to picking them up. I have osteoarthritis and more recently a pinched nerve. Those two conditions make it very difficult to pick things up off the floor without causing a lot of pain. Well, just last week I finally something that helps me with all that. It is a reach extender. It is made by various companies which call it "The Gopher" or the EZ Reacher. .In doing some research, I discovered that there are various  models: some are just very plain, some have  magnets on the end , mine just has the suction cups on the  end .

This is my Gopher, or my new extended arm. I am picking up a hat here, but it can pick up very small items such as pieces of paper and even something as small as a dime.

As you can see by the symbols you can avoid using stools. Well, actually I am really short, so for most shelves I need both.  I have already explained the no bending part .I guess whether you have to stretch or not depends on what you are going for.

   I bought my reach extender in a US Wal-Mart, but they can be purchase in hardware stores, pharmacies, and online as well.