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.