3 BIGGEST MISTAKES SENIORS MAKE WHEN THEY WALK! (AND HOW TO CORRECT THEM)

[@alvisjenkins1305]

Great advice. As a senior at almost 82, I totally agree.

[@Advicefortheelderly]

As I'm getting older(75) , I hate empty conversations, answering questions,putting on shows ect. Most of important peoples in my life is gone, so I basically learned to be alone. It will be nice to have a lady around now and then.

[@maxduquelu]

Good advices, thank you. I’m 85 and I have been practicing Tai Chi for the last 20 year. My teacher told me to walk as if I was a puppet on a string, with the rope tied to the top of my head. I never forgot that recommendation and it pops up regularly when walking, straight up, obviously.

[@steveharris7189]

All the advice makes sense. I have a comment though. I'm 78 and have recently had both my shoulders and knees replaced ( I have done bodybuilding for over 50 years and knew there would be a price to pay at some stage. I have no regrets and would do it all again. Whilst I have been waiting for my knee replacement, I developed the bad habit of bending over from the lower back with the result of back pain as soon as I became fatigued. I realised (I have been a personal fitness trainer for many years) that my body was doing this to shift my centre of gravity away from my aching knees. After my knee replacements, I consciously try to correct my posture when I walk, but it's not easy, hopefully, it's a matter of time.

[@johnbodman4504]

Very good program. He speaks clearly and does not waste words.

[@JosephWood1941-iz6mi]

I'm 83 and I'm a (nearly) life-long hiker. So was my wife until she discovered that she had inherited dilated cardiomyopathy. That was actually when we were half way up a mountain on a hike. We fortunately made it back down. The result was that now she can't walk very far. I push her in a wheelchair and I've found that I now feel uncomfortable walking without that support until I've done a couple of kilometres without it. Then I get back into my old gait again. I was always told to glance at the ground 3 metres ahead on a rough or exposed track. That way you are aware of where your next few steps are going to land. As always, the basis for comfortable walking is either good quality, properly fitting, footware and socks, or going barefoot. I've never done the latter, but do walk barefoot around the house and sometimes in the garden. If you can still do it, never stop walking whatever your age. Confuscious said "It doesn't matter how slow you walk so long as you don't stop."

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you for sharing Joseph!

[@MrDaiseymay]

IT'S BEING OUT AND ABOUT IN WIDE OPEN AREAS, WITH NOTHING TO GRAB HOLD OF OR SIT ON, THAT WORRIES ME, BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF FALLING. I CAN WALK FOR AND HOUR WHILE PUSHING THE TROLLEY QUICKLY, AROUND THE SUPERMARKET, WITH LOTS OF CONFIDENCE.

[@michaelshapiro1543]

Thank you, sir. Nothing like reading some accurate, professional observation & common sense. (Senior in 70's)

[@ronica2623]

1) looking down,2) not using assisted device if you need it,3)bad turning. Good video! I used to look down all the time and saw a video saying not to. Now I use peripheral vision and it works! Standing up straight now when walking. Using walker can be a challenge for people who take bus. Have to lift the walker onto off of bus….too hard. Cane unsteady. Suggestions?

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Get stronger. Go on the Ketogenic diet and lose your excess fat. The keto diet allows you to burn fat but not lose muscle mass. I am 69 and I do squats at my standing desk when I am YT. I have a small body weight gym with parallel bars to help dips, L-sits, squats and a whole bunch of stuff plus dumbells, a kettle grip, pushup handles, chin bar I hand in a doorway and a flat bench. I went on keto 4.5 years ago and my health improved across the board and is still improving. I feel like I am aging backwards. I have a bad knee from a long ago injury but even it is improving. Carbohydrates (potatoes, bread, pasta, pastries, etc) do nothing but cause inflammation, and encourage obesity and diabetes.

[@philipfirks7755]

A very interesting video. I'm 68 and (so far) don't need any walking assistance. I probably look down more than 'necessary' because where I live there are numerous things to beware of - it's not the most walker-friendly place - but I also look around at the scenery!. But pre-warned is prepared!

[@Transterra55]

Thanks very much for informative video… I noticed that I started doing number three just recently and I’ve almost fallen down several times. Thanks for the reminder.

[@johnziersch4605]

I'll be 75 at the end of 2024 - I've improved my walking by walking at least an hour every day, using a cane to help catch myself in case I trip, and scan with my head held up so I don't hunch forward. Walking in beach sand helps me to lift my feet when walking.\After 2 years I no longer have catastrophic falls, which is good because my arms are very loose in my shoulder sockets.

[@thomasrenaud9584]

You have done a great service. I will be 89 in 2 weeks ,Korean war vet. And proven to myself that all of your points I have proven to myself, but am still too stubborn to use the cane when I should .. Thanks for the kick in the Butt....

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you and thank you for your service!

[@johnkeepin7527]

Good advice. Regarding the first item, a problem I sometimes have is that I tend to look down too much, on account of wearing progressive (varifocal) lenses, with which things closer than about 8 metres ahead are slightly out of focus. I need to look far ahead enough most of the time to avoid unbalancing my head a bit. I don't think opticians mention that risk.

[@davidmantooth1285]

I find that looking ahead rather tan just looking down helps to take note of any irregularities in my path.

[@gordon-1]

I have bilateral hip osteoarthritis, and used a rollator for eight years. One day about a year ago, I just decided to stop. I found that my quads were weakened, my right leg was twisted and significantly longer than my left, and I was bent over at the hips. Since I started walking unassisted again, I have focused on straightening my hips through stretching and increasing my quad strength with deep knee bends. I am now 73, but at age 60 I was running 6 nine-minute hilly miles, speed biking 16 miles at 15mph, and doing 1½ hours of yoga daily. My lifetime running total was 36k miles before I was forced to stop.

[@philipreed6893]

Any kind of knee bends are excellent, esp. when I learned to hold onto a heavy chair or a doorframe is a great way to start.

[@khalidimohamedfadel2048]

Continue! God bless you......

[@donsoards3356]

Walking on a short golf course with an electric cart to hang onto enables me to follow your excellent points. When I go to a grocery store I look down until I get my hands on a shopping cart. When I am walking without support I find the best thing is to keep moving until I find some support.

[@ianlindridge5378]

It was satisfying to know I'm doing the walking correctly! I'm functionally blind and recovering/training after leg edema therapy and knee replacement. Scanning is a way of life, not just outside but in stores. Being low vision I use a white walking cane always but use it only if I stumble as I'm having to learn to walk/move all over again. Your videos have given me a days worth of exercises that I enjoy as I can "see" the results! Thanks much.

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mauricedear5809]

Thankyou so much for sharing....Greetings from Southampton England.

[@tranquil2706]

Lots of good information. I especially appreciate the warning not to cross your feet when turning; I have occasionally done this and did feel insecure. I am much more likely to avoid this thanks to this video. Scanning was also something I was sort of doing, but now I will try to be more conscious of doing it right, and also trying to minimize looking down. Thanks!

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you!!

[@Mary-od4gi]

Great video. I just started with walker and my legs are getting much stronger and i feel so much better. I am a fan of conscience walker. Keep up your good work and thank you. You guide me through this darn aging process....that means a great deal to me.

[@twopoolpeople]

I'm 73 with 2 types of arthritis - and bad. I live in NE Florida where the sidewalks are what I consider to be in bad condition for walking. My city is always repairing or replacing the sidewalks that either sunk a few inches or have been raised by tree roots. I walk 4-8 miles most days. In the warmer months I leave my house 5:30-6 AM while it is still dark. I am consious about walking straight (upright). I scan ahead where I'm going and when I get close to a section of walkway that is uneven, that is when I'll look down still trying to keep my head as straight as possible. Every once in a while, I step back against a cement light pole to check if my body is straight - military posture.

[@raystaar]

Thank you. Good information. I have found that mindfully lifting my feet slightly further off the ground than I would naturally increases my confidence by reducing the number of times my feet skid over the top of uneven pavement.

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philipreed6893]

Good tip, lifting the leg higher.

[@do9138]

Let's see what he says when he's older. I bet he doesn't think walking is so easy then. I look down to prevent shattering a bone again. In 2019, I stepped off a curb I didn't see and put a 7-inch vertical break up my right tibia. I wasn't allowed to put any weight on my right leg for five months. I had no help so even preparing meals was very difficult. I tried to use a wheelchair the other day. I was shocked at how few businesses have doors that open automatically. I was SHUT OUT of businesses because I couldn't hold the door open to get in. The complex where I rent a condo forces people to go up two steps to get to even first floor units. There are no ramps or handrails. If the building catches on fire, I'll be killed because I won't be able to get away from it. Many, MANY businesses think ADA laws don't apply to them.

[@javiermancheno8531]

You do not have the slightest idea of the amount of confidence I gained after I analyzed your really logical words ! Thanks for the video which could be the difference between life and death or at least breaking one's hip ! Okay ?

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you!

[@davidmorrison2739]

I don't see how one can walk along a path or road or bush track etc without looking up regularly. It seems clear that we must look down, look up and look out. (I'm in the second half of my 80s). Here in Australia we have to be especially careful because we walk upside down. Thanks for your advice.

[@sharonlalli1414]

You gave me my laugh for the day

[@Roy-gi5ul]

You make sure you hang on tight

[@stewarthyson4285]

Excellent advice for me, especially the first two points. I will follow your advice.

[@tremmclight6058]

Thank you very much for these very valuable information.More power sir.

[@deanhockenberry9268]

I incorporated vision tools I learned when riding motorcycles. I do look down at the immediate area a few feet in front of me and then look up and scan several yards ahead. I’m doing this on hiking trails with a twenty pound pack and I do use trecking poles for balance on the uneven ground.

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Yes!

[@stevelopez372]

Yes, scan, pick your feet up and don’t Shuffle or you will eat concrete. Sidewalks are uneven everywhere. Good advice.

[@MrGyges]

All very useful. Excellent video.Thank you. As the poet said “ … time that gave doth now his gift confound…”.

[@davidmann4533]

If I didn’t look down when I walk around my house I would trip over my cat every day😂

[@leebest1a470]

3 cats so at home I look down !

[@nagarajahuggahalli]

A very helpful video.I am 80 years old, thanks for the advice in the video !

[@deeptime5581]

I am a Rolfer and you are onto something as proprioceptive issues are becoming central not only for older folks but middle age and even younger. Balance, what balance feels like and why it is important, is simply not taught and it is a critical skill.

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you! I 100% agree!

[@philipreed6893]

Great advice on Turning !, and can you please mention the importance of standing up, many times to strengthen ,when learning to walk again, , I found it was very helpful to know this exercise strengthens the Core of the body, good to know when at home or don’t have a physiotherapist.

[@kashobuddha]

You Are Wrong to Say We Shouldn't look down while walking! Because the sidewalk Concret slabs are uneven in Los Angeles, Twice I have stubbed my toe against a raised concrete slab and fell to the ground!!!

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Hello! I Agee with you, there are a lot of times when you DO need to look down. In the video I tried to explain a technique called "scanning" where a person looks down and up as a they walk, so they see the ground but reduce the effect a lowered head has on balance. Sorry for being confusing

[@sharonwalters6135]

@@neurolasticinstitute424 You aren’t confusing. You made it very plain that we need to scan and particularly not to walk with phones in our hands XO.

[@Bll-IQ150]

Look at the whole video again & practice the scan method! I live in Az have your issue, others, including snakes.

[@dennislee5582]

​@@sharonwalters6135I agree that he made it very clear to those who need to look down to look up again when they've confirmed that the way in front of them is clear. He even gave it a name, "scanning". He need not have apologized.

[@WendyWillis-uv7wq]

Yes you have to when you walk through woods as there is tree roots all over etc

[@dr.samierasadoonalhassani2669]

Your videos are the best to practice and do. Thanks and may God bless you. Very grateful for sharing such awesome experiences with us. Thanks again.

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

So nice of you

[@vivienhodgson3299]

I wonder if other seniors have the same problem I have pushing a shopping trolley? I am 72, and have arthritis in my left wrist. Clutching the handle of the trolley is uncomfortable, and I tend to push with my forearm resting on it, relying on my right hand to guide it. I'm not sure I could manage a wheeled walker even if I needed it.

[@harikrishnan8808]

Ur advice n suggestions concerning walking care for the elderly people, it's definitely safe to carry the stick or Walker, ro ensure safety Thank u for ur time

[@jagannathsharma1711]

I agree with you fully. I have been looking down, and while turning crossing my feet. Thanks because I have been saved falls. I don’t use a stick or walker. 😊

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you!

[@jacquelyns9709]

I have been using a rollator walker for over a year now. When I got it, I used it everywhere, even inside my apartment. Now I don't use it inside my apartment. I do use my furniture to steady myself on occasion. I also use my rollator in other people's homes. Using my rollator allows me to walk further and faster. My cane doesn't work very well at all. While I have increased my leg strength tremendously, I still can't squat down to get things out of lower cabinets or to clean them. I use my rollator to sit on while I get into the cabinets. I use my grabber to reach things in the back of the cabinets. I use a step stool that has high bars on both sides to reach upper cabinets and shelves. I can hold on with one hand while I use the other to put things in and out. The stool has a large area to stand on. My large feet fit totally on it. I still use both hands to step up on the stool. I have used your exercises to improve my balance. While I still have a long way to go I have improved greatly. Thank you for all your videos.

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Perfect! Glad you found what works for you

[@abdellayasin61]

😂😮

[@barbarabarclay6769]

I find straight hiking sicks are the best for me. I don't bend over them the way I do with a walking stick.

[@jamienibler9952]

Good information and advice, thanks!!!!!!!

[@skyrobinson9872]

Excellent advice😊

[@whathappenedwhen7456]

Thank you for this video. It was full of common sense helpful points.

[@bitsday648]

So kind of you for sharing

[@elizabethblake1140]

I have to look down sometimes because the sidewalks are uneven.

[@zeebest1004]

Same problem here. Even downtown Philadelphia, where I live and walk, has very uneven walkways where adjacent sidewalk blocks are usually uneven tripping hazards. I suggest you walk slower and more carefully. But looking straight ahead is essential. You can still see the ground and periodically eyeball it to navigate the uneven surfaces.

[@philipreed6893]

Yes, the sidewalks dip for people’s driveways and than rise up again ,I had to get used to that it’s not super obvious.

[@keithc9768]

I'm 72 and walk 4-6 miles every day. When I walk I do it like I learned in the military 50+ years ago. Back straight, eyes forward scanning my environment (situational awareness), turns, like I did when marching, on the heel of the foot that coincides with the direction of my turn. Never cross ankles

[@cecilysharrock678]

I find shopping trolleys very helpful. Also use a rollater or cane when going out. When going thru a very bad time, will use an electric wheelchair in a big shopping center. ROLLATER MY FAVOURITE.

[@malourdesdiaz7463]

Thank you for sharing. God bless!😊

[@alittlegreenjean]

excellent advice.

[@madhusudan6129]

A valuable information. Thanks 🙏

[@mohamedashroffahamed5075]

I am already practicing the 3rd while turning I am doing the same ofcourse the 2nd action to be changed as per the vedio Thank you physio for the vital information ❤🙏🇱🇰😊

[@deepakaryal5844]

Wonderful Dough great tips

[@soylentgreen326]

l use homemade walking poles, with neon streamers and hand webbing and reflective+neon (cut off a hi-vis vest) gaiters at the bottom. Yeah people smile 😂😂😂 but they can see me and so can drivers when there’s no pavement🎉🎉🎉 ❤❤❤

[@KDean22]

SIMPLE BUT TRUE

[@danarcotta1283]

When walking my dog , daily, I'm armed, completely aware of my surroundings and I pay strict attention as to where I'm walking, the ground, vehicles, oncoming people, etc

[@ruthjoseph4061]

Thank you it was helpful God BLESS you

[@GlenysRobinson]

This is really interesting and encouraging advice..thank you so much

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you!

[@robertkirby4179]

If a person is looking down using a wheel walked it's not set up correct handles should be high enough so your body is straight. Or if you walk to far back from the wheels you will learn which is wrong you should ask with your feet in.the area around the wheels nearest to you so it lifts you straight. I used to sell mobility equipment a long time ago. Hope it helps some body. Kindest Regards.

[@drmnarmadha]

Beautiful and very informative video.Thanks a ton

[@dipierro4]

As others have noted, sidewalks are uneven. Outdoors, one encounters rocks, holes, etc., and the ground is uneven in any natural setting. Not looking down is an invitation to an accident. And if I do fall, I'd rather fall forward (and break my fall) than backward.

[@davidmantooth1285]

I resist using a cane because I don't want to appear old, but a staff would also help you to get up in case you do fall.

[@johnboggan4390]

Good video and thank you much.

[@MrTonyHeath]

That all sounds like me. Thank you.

[@dr.samierasadoonalhassani2669]

Look up and down,scanning,practicing and skill,assisting devices,( rolling walker or cane for stability),turning by separate legs and not crossing legs.

[@elenaacim]

Thank you

[@karmarkarsj1458]

As per my experience, it is best to walk on a well acquainted track or at your home passage.

[@MrDaiseymay]

I'M 83, AND HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY LEFT INNER EAR, AND I HAVE TO AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN MOVEMENT OFMY HEAD BUT--I LEARNED QUICKLY THAT , WHILE WALKING, WHICH IS NEVER VERY FAR, I CHECK THE GROUND IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT FOR BUMPS AND HOLES, THEN AHEAD FOR SAME. IT HAS ALWAYS WORKED FOR ME.( SO FAR ).

[@frankfreeman1444]

What about failling to get out of bed first? That's really detrimental to maintaining a reasonable stride length in your walk!

[@horseman6468]

Im 79 I walk every day my pedometer says I walked 7•4 miles thats monday to friday ,weekends I do ten miles .I walk at 120 steps per minute and my stride is 30 inches.The secret to staying fit in old age is two fold ,start exercising in early middle age and own an energetic breed of dog. Its no good deciding to get and stay fit when you've allowed your body to deteriorate . Most people start of life with a sound body ,its not hard to keep it that way well into old age.

[@ramamurthymurthy3519]

I am also while walking I also make the same mistake but not entirely I am walking down because it is naturally even I feel we should walk head straight automatically it happen every because we seniors for our security we are try must I am not always doing the mistake I am Rama Murthy india

[@hepgeoff]

Very helpful video, thanks!

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lorenzobeckmann3736]

thanks, major challenge: finding shopping cart which rolls freely/smoothly

[@WJAlexander-o6t]

My sister is like that. Its her pride that prevents it. PRIDE cometh before the FALL.

[@ladymary22]

Scanning sounds good

[@willemvanderKooij]

The most important thing is not to fall, for that you need to survey the ground you walk on. Especially if you walk in nature tree roots, moss al are a danger .

[@bobvandenbosch3304]

I have ciap polyneuropathie I look down because I dont feel anything I falling down over litle things. Whole day I try not to fall

[@maletu]

Hmmm, the times that I cross my feet are when I have *already started* to fall. Say, most of my weight is on my left foot, and I start to fall toward the left side, putting even more of my weight on that left foot. The only foot *available* to move to stabilize me is the right foot, and it whips around instinctively to the left. (Context: poor-ish balance after acoustic neuroma surgery.) Note that I have never (yet) fallen in one of these leg-crossing maneuvers, but I can imagine that with lessened strength I might. (But "cross foot recovery" is probably still my best option in that scenario?) My point: it's interesting that crossing feet and falling are associated, but I suspect that the causality may go in the other direction part of the time: feet cross to *recover* from a fall already begun. The study you cite *may* conflate these two situations. Your point: foot-crossing is a poor method of turning, and should be avoided. (I totally agree.)

[@altheamurphy427]

About the bad turning… I am 75 and I have never done that bad turning by crossing one leg over the other to turn! It doesn’t even make sense, or feel natural to do that.

[@kenroy4826]

I look up but have to consciously make myself do so as the tendency is to look down. About 10 months ago I began using an app to count steps and I like that I’m able to track my goal of 7500 steps daily. No assists when walking.

[@RayYounger-o8v]

Here is better advice I m 82 recovering from Broken leg 3 places broken arm 2 places broken wrist 3 places I got run over After i left hospital rested 1 week Then went to local council pool Feb started walking in 25 mt pool then after 2 month went into 50 mt pool & started to swim Breast stroke /Freestyle that 50 mts was very hard .Now Sept I am doing 1200 mts drop down from 1500 mts 2x week I cant recommend swimming enough get to your pool Start swimming Its a nice social day as well

[@craigmunro6585]

starting

[@KaifiyaQazi]

U r her0 of ur hero of upper class

[@robertfloor]

I HAD 4 LEG OPERATIONS THEY HAD TO REMOVE 4 INCHES OF THE BONE PUT STEEL PINS PLUS A STEEL PLATE TO HOLD THE LEG IN PLACE SO YOU TELL HOWC TO KEEP MY BACK FROM STRAIGHTEN UP,THE VA SAID THEY EVERYTHING POSSIB.LE FOR ME.

[@parimalbose1394]

Your advice is workable if the path is even throughout . Otherwise it is neither advisable nor possible.

[@Durfield]

I wonder if some people lean forward while walking because they are afraid of falling backwards. Just a thought.

[@hannahrosa5485]

I use a rollator b/c I have POT syndrom

[@arnoldalt2571]

The biggest mistake while seniors are walking is walking too far from home not realizing that they have to walk back.

[@mossieprinsloo7371]

Thnm you very much

[@donthetrader]

Nobody ever mentions using TWO canes. That feels like a “ Walker”, but two canes allow you to take larger steps, and not worry about falling !

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

I did a video on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2i8fp-cg86diZI

[@catkeys6911]

Try not to curve forward as you walk like some kind of huge walking shrimp. You're throwing your balance out in front of you- this is especially bad while crossing a street- if a car suddenly heads your way, you won't be able to stop as quickly and back out of the way if necessary. I'm 71, and I (sort of semiconsciously) picture in my mind what my father looked like when he walked. He had been a champion bicyclist so his legs were in fantastic shape, and he had a jaunty step as he walked, and of course he never tripped or stumbled.

[@robertoveliz3385]

Thank you for such positive advices and your attitude. LOVE IT!

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you!

[@gohajourney]

I always look down when I walk I will improve them .

[@mikeirving2122]

Need to look down to make sure you don’t step in dog poo!

[@bill-2018]

Why would you cross your legs to turn? I used to do a lot of walking in the hills on uneven ground and I would fall if I did that so I guess I never got into that habit. I'm 69 and walk to the shops just over one mile each way and go at least twice a week with my rucksack. Going today so that's twice. Then I'll probably go on Saturday for a few pints of real ale.

[@CultivatingTheMind]

I wish everyone who reads the comments after watching this meaningful video always peace, happiness and success! 🙏🙏🙏

[@philipsamways562]

As an experienced ballroom dancer I can absolutely attest to the comment don't look down. Looking down seriously affects balance. Try this... stand on one leg and look straight ahead. Then look down at your feet. Do this in a narrow corridor so you can avoid falling. Looking down also encourages poor posture. Poor posture makes you look and feel older. For decades I had poor posture. Its led to a nasty neck problem. The dancing saved me... I had to work hard and diligently to improve it. And hey, my neck isn't so much of a problem

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Thank you! That’s a great example.

[@inregionecaecorum]

I wear bifocals, if you merely flip your eyes down the ground is out of focus so in order to see the ground you do need to tilt your head slightly forward. When I first started wearing bifocals in my forties I had a big problem with stairs. How about this for a compromise, wear a backpack, that is going to restore your centre of gravity no?

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Hello! Yes, bifocals do cause issues. In fact, there are several studies that show that wearing bifocals increases your risk of falling, especially on uneven surfaces and stairs.

[@LindaStewart-q7r]

Great

[@OptimumFamilies]

I look down because it helps me not look at how far I need to walk ahead.

[@neurolasticinstitute424]

Ha

[@bassboy8910]

please re read and listen to this man. He is teaching a look up and down method. Listen again!