Older persons are more likely to have impaired physiological reserves and are also more likely to suffer from chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disorders. These conditions, together with the impact of acute illnesses, can result in progressive weakness and impaired mobility. Worsening mobility, especially if it is of recent onset, can also be a sign of an underlying medical problem that needs to be assessed and addressed. Some of the common causes of worsening mobility are amenable to treatment and can potentially be cured.

The incidence of falls increases with age and studies have shown that as much as one-third of healthy older persons fall every year. It is also known that older persons who have had a first fall during the proceeding year are more likely to fall again.