How can I get some exercise when I can barely walk?

Have you seen a physical therapist? A few sessions of PT could teach you some ways to exercise without hurting your knees, and in ways that would be most helpful.

If there is anywhere nearby that has warm water exercises, that would be absolutely ideal for you. Ask your doctor for recommendations.

It is so wise of you to be concerned about getting some exercise. Good for you!

Verna, get a rollator or wheelchair, you would be surprised what you can do with that. After my knee replacement, I got outside in the wheelchair and took the footrests off. Then I "walked" forwards and backwards while seated in that chair until my knees loosened up and made full range of motion. Ask the VA to Rx you some PT for range of motion and strength.

Verna, can you Google "chair yoga"? You might find some joint easy exercises there.

Check with your local Parks & Recreation department. If I recall, there are some indoor swimming pools in Vancouver where they have "aqua therapy" classes. These involve low resistance exercises in shallow water, and are great ways to meet new people. My mom used to go to our local park's outdoor pool, and there were about 25 other women that were in the class with her. It did wonders for the arthritis in her knees. She also does the typical seated ankle and leg exercises most physical therapists recommend, and walks as much as she can, every day.

Hi Verna. I am 77 so up there in years. My knees have been a weak spot for a long time. My house has stairs and every morning going downstairs I particularly feel them. I am not saying I am as badly off as you are. It sounds like you are much worse off, but maybe what I have done can help you.

As I live in a very cold climate, 5 months of winter, I don't get out to walk much. I was finding my knees getting worse, so I decided I had to walk in the house. I built up to doing 30 minutes of walking most days of the week additional to normal daily activities.. The trick is to set a goal, but not to expect to reach it right away - start with "baby steps". Maybe do 5 minutes in the morning and 5 in the evening till you feel stronger, then add more minutes and so on. Start with whatever feels OK to you. This builds up your leg muscles which takes the strain off your joints (knees). I am now doing the 30 minutes and l notice a real improvement in my knees. Doing stairs is much easier and less painful. Muscle can be built up at any age and when muscle gets built up it supports the joints. My mother, who is 102, has several bad discs, but she has good body muscles so her back does not bother her.
Let me know if you try it and if it helps. It has taken a few months for me to notice a difference, but is well worth it for my knees and I feel brighter too. I care give my mother at a distance, but I care give me too, so I understand. (((((((((hugs))))))))

There is a website called Sit and Be Fit that has free exercises you do from a chair. You might enjoy them.

In Vancouver, WA, you can call for dia-a-ride type services and they can help you all the way from your room to wherever you need to go. Call 211. They can connect you with the services in your area that provide this. You shouldn't allow yourself to be a prisoner in your own home. If you have VA coverage, check with them. There may be services you are eligible for that you're utilizing, including access to exercise equipment in your home!

I've found Isometric exercises helpful as I have pain, as I'm thinking you may as well.
It takes concentration to tighten, breathe, release each muscle. It can help as it's meditative as well.
Lastly, get your Vitamin D level checked, as often it is low especially in the winter when you don't get as much sun. It can make you feel hopeless, down in the dumps if you don't have enough Vitamin D to make you feel motivated to exercise.

Vancouver has a great program designed to help you get around and you can transport yourself to an exercise location such as the YWCA or a pool or gymnasium like this: (this is specific to your hometown, but most towns have a similar program)
Transportation Assistance
rideconnection/ride/Services/RideWise.aspx
RideWise program teaches older adults and people with disabilities to travel independently and safely on public transportation. The services are provided at no charge for those who qualify and encompass all forms of public transportation (bus, light rail).
They offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your specific needs, and ability level.
One-on-one travel training is our short-term, practical and individualized instruction to teach older adults and people with disabilities to travel safely and independently using public transportation.
Group travel training is available for people receiving support through transition programs, older adult residential facilities, community centers and more. These outings are designed to encourage the use of public transportation by choosing a familiar destination. The training is designed to be in a social, relaxed environment for customers to “learn the ropes.”
Riders Club trips are designed to give our customers more opportunities to become comfortable with the public transit system by creating fun adventures that include riding fixed route to and from the destination. Activity directors at residential facilities and senior centers coordinate these regularly scheduled trips.
For people new to a mobility device, our vehicle familiarization service is designed for individuals who need assistance and practical experience boarding TriMet buses and MAX cars. This training takes place when the vehicles are not in service.
Who provides the training?
The training is provided by our qualified travel trainers. All of our instructors go through a strict screening process and receive extensive training before working with our customers.
How much does it cost?
All training and related support is provided at NO charge to older adults and people with disabilities living in Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington County.
Where is the training?
Our travel trainers will provide training ANYWHERE in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington County at a time and location that is convenient for you.
Who is eligible to receive training?
If you are an older adult (60+) or person with a disability and live in Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington County, you can request training.
How do I get started?

Good Luck!

Recommendation: YOGA FOR THE REST OF US video by Peggy Cappy.