RT Book, Section A1 Kane, Robert L. A1 Ouslander, Joseph G. A1 Resnick, Barbara A1 Malone, Michael L. SR Print(0) ID 1149536504 T1 Immobility T2 Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics, 8e YR 2017 FD 2017 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781259860515 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1149536504 RD 2024/10/05 AB Although mobility can be achieved by using various devices, the discussion here emphasizes walking. Immobility implies a limitation in independent, purposeful physical movement of the body or of one or more lower extremities. Immobility may result from physical decline, but it can also trigger a series of subsequent diseases and problems in older individuals that produce further pain, disability, and impaired quality of life. Optimizing mobility should be the goal of all members of the health-care team working with older adults. Small improvements in mobility can decrease the incidence and severity of complications, improve the patient’s well-being, and decrease the cost and burden of caregiving. This chapter outlines the common causes and complications of immobility and reviews the principles of management for some of the more common conditions associated with immobility in the older population.