Continuous bed rest or limited ambulation during a hospital stay causes deconditioning and loss of muscle mass and is one of the primary factors for loss of walking independence in hospitalized older adults. Up to 65% of older persons who can walk independently will lose this ability during a hospital stay. Walking during the hospital stay is critical for maintaining this functional ability. Loss of walking independence increases the length of hospital stay, the need for rehabilitation services, the possibility of placement in a nursing home, and the risk for falls both during and after discharge from the hospital. It also places higher demands on caregivers and increases the risk of death. Compared with older persons who don’t walk during their hospital stay, those that do are able to walk farther by discharge, are discharged from the hospital sooner, have improved ability to perform basic daily living tasks independently, and have a faster recovery rate after surgery.
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