Change in muscle mass/strength

Older adults typically lose muscle mass and strength as they age. This can result in difficulty with such ordinary activities as carrying groceries, lifting the mattress to make the bed, and other activities that require strength. The consequences can be ameliorated to some extent by weight-training exercise, but almost all older individuals will lose some strength.

Change in flexibility/range of motion

Flexibility also tends to decrease as joints get stiffer. Reaching high cupboards, mopping or vacuuming, and other activities may be affected. As with strength, exercise or activity requiring range of motion can reduce this loss, but in most cases will not eliminate the loss entirely. Walking up steps, climbing into a bus, getting into the bathtub are examples of activities that may be difficult. Reaching into low cupboards or drawers, getting up from a chair or couch, in or out of the bathtub, and up and down from a toilet can also be difficult.