How does the way we walk change with age?
Gait disturbances are a common medical problem in old age. After the age of 70, 35% of people have abnormal gait and after 85, gait changes are found in the majority of people. In this video, we join Professor Robin Crompton in his gait lab at The University of Liverpool to find out what is happening to the musculoskeletal system when we walk.
Robin compares his own gait with that of a younger volunteer. As Robin walks, notice his slower gait speed and shorter stride length; these are common occurrences in older people.
Do you recognise any of the challenges that Robin highlights? What factors impact your own walking gait?
If you’d like to learn more about how our mobility is affected as we get older, you may like to watch the video under ‘SEE ALSO’ at the bottom of the page. In this video, Robin discusses the changes that happen in the brain as we age and how this affects our mobility.
The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying Active into Old Age
The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying Active into Old Age
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