10 Reasons Why Seniors Walk With a Shuffling Gait

That slow, shuffling walk you've noticed in your loved one isn't just a typical sign of getting older; it's often a red flag for underlying health issues. A shuffling gait, where feet seem to drag or slide rather than lift, can stem from neurological conditions, muscle weakness, medication side effects, or other treatable causes.

This article reveals the 10 most common reasons seniors develop this dangerous walking pattern, from Parkinson's disease to medication side effects. Understanding these causes is the first step toward improving mobility and preventing falls, because every senior deserves to walk confidently and safely.

Don’t Ignore a Shuffling Walk in Seniors

You might notice that your older adult shuffles or drags their feet when they walk. 

And even if you constantly remind them, they’re still not picking up their feet when walking. They may not even notice that they’re doing it.

So why do seniors shuffle when they walk? The short answer is that they’re not doing it on purpose.

Something is causing someone to start shuffling when they walk. Finding the cause is the first step to helping your older adult walk more safely.

We share the 10 top reasons seniors shuffle when they walk, explain why shuffling significantly increases fall risk, and suggest what to do if your older adult has a shuffling walk.

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Top 10 Reasons Why Older Adults Shuffle When They Walk

1. Weak hips and leg muscles: Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) reduces the power to lift the feet, causing a compensatory shuffle.
2. Arthritis pain in joints: Stiff, inflamed knees or hips limit range of motion, making steps shorter and more labored.
3. Loss of foot flexibility: Tight Achilles tendons or conditions like “drop foot” prevent proper toe clearance during steps.
4. Decreased balance: Inner ear changes or neuropathy disrupt equilibrium, leading to cautious, sliding steps for stability.
5. Poor vision: Depth perception issues or low-light blindness make seniors hesitant to lift their feet fully off the uncertain ground.
6. Fear after a fall: Post-fall anxiety triggers overcorrection, with feet kept close to the floor “just in case.”
7. Slow reaction time: Delayed reflexes mean seniors adopt a shuffle to avoid the risk of quick balance corrections.
8. Medication side effects: Sedatives or blood pressure drugs can cause dizziness or muscle weakness that alters gait.
9. Bad footwear: Unsupportive shoes or loose slippers force the feet to grip artificially, disrupting natural stride.
10. Slippery floors: Perceived or actual slick surfaces (like tile or hardwood) encourage a friction-seeking shuffle.

Shuffling Increases the Risk of Falling

It might seem like not picking up your feet when walking isn’t that important.

But if someone shuffles, drags, or does not lift their feet off the ground when walking, they’re at a greater risk of falling.

Shuffling is a common cause of falls because sliding feet can more easily trip on rugs, door thresholds, or even slightly uneven surfaces. 

And seniors who shuffle when they walk are more likely to stumble because their shoes can catch on the ground. 

Plus, the narrow stance of shuffling feet makes someone more unbalanced than a regular walking stance.

What You Can Do About Your Loved One's Shuffling 

An unsteady gait or shuffling walk could be caused by something as simple as slippery floors or as profound as dementia or Parkinson’s disease.

So, if your older adult has started shuffling their feet when walking, scheduling an appointment with their doctor to determine what’s causing it is essential.

To prepare for the doctor’s appointment, check to see if any of these top 10 reasons could be causing them to shuffle their feet.

Unless the reason is apparent and easily corrected, like replacing a too-old pair of loose shoes, it's best to have the doctor do a thorough check-up.

This will help them identify the cause of the shuffling behavior. Once the reason is known, the doctor can recommend improving the situation.

Next Step  Try gentle exercises that increase flexibility and improve balance

Recommended for you:

• Sit to Stand Exercise: The Best Way to Improve Senior Mobility
• Reduce Falls with 2 Useful At-Home Balance Exercises for Seniors
• Head to Toe Gentle Seated Chair Exercises for Seniors Improve Range of Motion

About the Author

Chris Clark

Chris is a seasoned healthcare executive and entrepreneur from the Pacific Northwest. He strongly advocates for older adults and the caregivers who serve them. Chris has personal past experience caring for his father. Chris is an avid outdoorsman. If he's not in his office, he can usually be found on a golf course or in a garden out west.