About one in three older adults experiences a fall each year, often resulting in serious injuries such as fractures that can sharply reduce quality of life and generate over $50 billion in annual medical costs. Hip fractures are particularly devastating, frequently leading to long-term loss of mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Notably, falls that occur while turning are nearly eight times more likely to cause a hip fracture than those that happen during straight walking.
Turning while walking is a routine but mechanically demanding movement. It requires balance, coordination, and rapid adjustments in body position, all of which may decline with age—unlike walking straight, turning shifts the body’s centre of gravity beyond its base of support, increasing instability and fall risk. These challenges can undermine confidence, leading to hesitation and greater danger during everyday activities such as shopping or moving around the home.
To better understand how older adults manage balance during turns, researchers conducted a study simulating a grocery store environment with a T-shaped walkway. Participants aged 65 and older completed three progressively challenging tasks: walking straight, making a planned turn, and making an unexpected turn. Full-body motion tracking was used to capture detailed balance and movement data.
At a group level, older adults turned in ways similar to younger adults. However, some individuals adopted protective strategies not seen in younger participants, such as reducing or slowing side-to-side body sway. Those who reported fear of falling or showed poorer balance in clinical tests were more likely to use these cautious strategies, which in practice helped them turn more safely.
These findings suggest that slower or more restrained movements during turning may reflect adaptive, protective behaviour rather than poor balance. Recognising person-specific strategies could improve how balance is assessed clinically, shifting attention beyond straight-line walking to include turning. This approach may support earlier, preventative interventions that better preserve mobility and independence in older adults.
More information: Zahava M. Hirsch et al, Older adult frontal plane balance during 90 degree turns while walking, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-22800-x
Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by Stevens Institute of Technology
