The Elderly Driver Chapter 21. James Judge A slowing of gait speed or a deviation in smoothness, symmetry, or synchrony of body movement. For the elderly, walking, standing up from a chair, turning, and leaning are necessary for independent mobility. Walking without assistance requires the effective coordination of adequate sensation, musculoskeletal and motor control, and attention.
Velocity is lower because elderly people take shorter steps.
Several explanations have been proposed for the shortened step length. Each person has a preferred cadence, which relates to leg length and usually represents the most energy-efficient rhythm for individual body structure. During double stance, the center of mass is between the feet, which is a stable position. Increased time in the double stance position reduces momentum and therefore reduces time for the swing leg to advance and contributes to short step length. Increased double stance may be needed on uneven terrain or with impaired balance so that step length is sacrificed for stability.