Ageing: It can be easy to miss signs of declining mobility – here’s how to recognise the risks

Winter weather makes it hard for everyone to get around. But for many, especially older people, the whole world can feel like an icy sidewalk every day of the year, particularly if they already have problems with their mobility that puts them at higher risk of falling.

For people who have trouble getting around, stairs, bathrooms and kitchens are among the most treacherous features of typical homes, loaded with potential hazards, such as hard surfaces, slippery floors, accessing high and low cupboards, elevation changes and more.

The danger is worse at night, especially for older people due in part to changes in vision and certain medications.

Vehicles are another major challenge for people with mobility issues, especially getting into and out of them, let alone driving them.

Pope Francis showed his own vulnerability in early February when he stumbled after his walking stick broke. He managed to stay upright but had fallen twice in the preceding weeks. When we don’t move around as much, other health issues can arise, requiring hospitalization.

The Pope’s public stumble and slow recovery triggered concerns over the 88-year-old’s health and gave the rest of us good reason to consider our own vulnerability.

Recognising risks

As a professor of rehabilitation science who researchers and teaches occupational therapy with a focus on optimising mobility in later life, I spend my working days thinking about how to make...

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