[Walking ability and independence in old age]

Physiological changes associated with aging and their influence on the activities of daily living (ADL) in old and very old persons are discussed. Degenerative diseases of the spine and of weight-bearing joints may affect the ability to walk and may thus endanger independent living. Treatment of orthopedic disease in the elderly should include efforts at rehabilitation aimed at enabling the patient to return home. For this, patients should be able to walk, or if this goal seems to be inaccessible, independence in ADL should be aimed for. Special aspects of rehabilitation are discussed for old patients following hip replacement or lower leg amputation.