Middle-old and old-old retirement dwelling adults respond differently to locomotor challenges in cluttered environments.
Obstacle navigation during locomotion was investigated in older adults using an obstacle course paradigm under different ambient lighting conditions. Similar strategies for obstacle navigation were observed between the two age groups studied (middle-old: 75-85 years and old-old adults: 85 years and older), however old-old individuals were "less" successful at avoiding obstacles. Differences observed between the two age groups in obstacle course performance may be attributed to changes in spatial reference frames that occur with age and/or differences in perceived threat of obstacles in the travel path. Reduced lighting conditions and increasing age were also found to have significant affects on obstacle navigation.
Reed
Rebecca J
RJ
Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Animal Science/Nutrition Building, Guelph, Ont., Canada N1G 2W1.
Lowrey
Catherine R
CR
Vallis
Lori Ann
LA
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008029:Lighting; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D004856:Postural Balance; D013037:Spatial Behavior / Q000502:physiology*