older people’s health issues
Gait Disorders in Older Adults
Evaluation of Gait
Doctors try to determine as many potential contributing factors to gait disorders as possible by Discussing the person’s complaints, fears, and goals related to mobility Observing gait with and without an assistive device, such as a cane or walker (if safe) Assessing all components of gait (initiation of gait, right step length and height, left step length and height, and symmetry) Observing gait again with a knowledge of the person’s gait components Doctors do a physical examination and ask open-ended questions about any difficulty with walking, balance, or both, including whether the person has fallen (or fear they might fall). Doctors also ask about specific capabilities, such as whether the person can go up and down stairs; get in and out of a chair, shower, or tub; and walk as needed to buy and prepare food and do household tasks. Doctors also assess the person's muscle strength, especially in the calves and thighs. Sometimes doctors do tests, including computed tomography ( Computed Tomography (CT) ) or magnetic resonance imaging ( 