Do you shuffle while walking?

Here are some reasons why older adults shuffle while walking:

• Loss of flexibility in ankle and feet
• Reduced ability to maintain balance
• Poor vision
• Fear of fall
• Weak hips and leg muscles
• Joint pain due to degeneration
• Slow reaction time when unbalanced
• Side effects of medications
• Worn or poorly-fitting shoes or slippers
• Uneven or slippery floors

Any of these could lead to a fall.

According to World Health Organization (WHO),

• Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide.
• About 684 000 individuals die from falls globally, of which over 80% are in low- and middle-income countries every year
• Adults older than 60 years of age suffer the greatest number of fatal falls.

So, why don’t you try and minimize your risk of fall by avoiding poorly-fitting shoes, slippery floors etc? Do well to speak with a physiotherapist!