Normal age-related findings may include the following: Shorter steps, possibly because calf muscles are weak or because balance is poor Reduced gait velocity in patients > 70 because steps are shorter Increased time in double stance (when both feet are on the ground), which may be due to impaired balance or fear of falling Reduced motion in some joints (eg, ankle plantar flexion just before the back foot lifts off, pelvic motion in the frontal and transverse planes) Slight changes in walking posture (eg, greater downward pelvic rotation, possibly due to a combination of increased abdominal fat, abdominal muscle weakness, and tight hip flexor muscles; a slightly greater turn-out of the toes, possibly due to loss of hip internal rotation or to an attempt to increase lateral stability) In people with a gait velocity of < 1 meter / second, mortality risk is significantly increased.