Problems with walking increase with age and are commonly associated with falls and disability in older adults. At least 20% of older adults living in the community have problems with walking. This increases to approximately 50% in adults 85 years old and older. Most of these problems are associated with underlying diseases, especially severe diseases. The following are questions you can ask your health care provider concerning walking problems.

1. As I get older, what will be the expected changes in my walking?
2. Is it normal for speed of walking to slowdown?
3. When should I ask my doctor to do a test for my walking problems?
4. Are there tests to check my steadiness and walking?
5. The doctor ordered a walker for me. Do I really need to use it?
6. When I have arthritic pain in my back and knee. should I limit my activities?
7. Will therapy help with my walking problems?
8. Will therapy help my balance problem?