In England, 17 per cent of men and 25 per cent of women over 50 use walking sticks for mobility
Dear HIW, My grandad has started needing a walking stick, and it got me wondering why old people start to struggle with walking. What happens to the body?
Elsie-Mae
One major factor is the loss of muscle mass and strength, a process called sarcopenia. Muscles are essential for balance, so when there’s less of this tissue, a walking stick can help. Joints also begin to wear with use and old age. Cartilage cushions your joints, and when this gets worn down, joints can become stiffer and more painful. Bones lose density with age, allowing for more small fractures. These can cause pain that alters how smoothly a person can walk. Reaction times in the nervous system can slow and an elderly person may struggle to balance.
IN OUR 12 NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER, WE ASKED YOU:
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING VR WORLDS WOULD YOU RATHER EXPLORE?
49% A historical era 35% Another planet 16% My own fantasy world 0% A live show
Sign up to the How It Works newsletter for more fun polls like this, as well as fascinating articles, quick quizzes, fast facts and amazing images. It’s crafted and curated by the team, it’s free and you’ll find it in your inbox every Wednesday morning
SCAN HERE
…OR ENTER THIS URL INTO YOUR BROWSER: tinyurl.com/ypzp7spm