Most Common Reasons for Wheelchair Use: What You Need to Know

The Rise of Wheelchair Use in Older Adults

As Americans age, mobility challenges become more common. And for many older adults, wheelchairs, especially electric wheelchairs, offer a practical way to stay independent and safe. 

Mobility issues are one of the biggest factors behind this shift. According to the research, 12.2% of all U.S. adults have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs, but that number jumps to 43.9% among those 65 and older.

With these limitations, the need for assistive devices like wheelchairs is on the rise. Between 2011 and 2019, the rate of wheelchair use among older adults grew from 4.7 per 100 to 7.1 per 100. Today, an estimated 2 million seniors in the U.S. rely on a wheelchair regularly.

By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, and that aging population is driving demand for mobility aids. In 2023, nearly 30% of all wheelchair users in the U.S. were already seniors, which is a number that’s only expected to grow.

Common Reasons Older Adults Use Wheelchairs

Arthritis and Joint Conditions

Arthritis is a major reason many seniors begin using wheelchair lifts. As joints weaken with age, movement becomes painful and difficult, especially for tasks like walking or standing for long periods. In many cases, an orthopedic condition like arthritis can make it impossible to self-propel without assistance.

18.9% of U.S. adults reported diagnosed arthritis in 2022. Among those aged 75 and older, that number jumps to 53.9%, meaning over half of older seniors live with some form of the condition. 

Arthritis-related joint inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, all of which directly impact a person’s ability to move safely and confidently.

Because of this, many older adults turn to wheelchairs to reduce joint strain, manage muscle weakness, and move safely. Arthritis is also a leading cause of disability, often limiting a person’s ability to stay active without assistance.

Stroke and Neurological Disorders

As neurological disorders, like stroke or parkinson’s disease, increase, so does the need for wheelchairs. 

Stroke risk doubles every decade after age 55, and 75% of strokes occur in people 65 or older. Each year, about 800,000 Americans have a stroke, often leading to long-term weakness, poor coordination, and mobility loss.

Parkinson’s disease affects around 1.1 million people in the U.S., with 90,000 new cases each year. Most cases occur in seniors, and symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and balance problems often make walking difficult. 

These neurological conditions limit movement and balance, making wheelchairs a necessary aid for disabled people who need support for safety and independence.

Injuries and Fall Recovery

Falls are one of the most common reasons older adults begin using wheelchairs. Each year, around 3 million seniors are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries, with nearly 1 million requiring hospitalization. These incidents often result in serious mobility setbacks that take months to recover from.

Hip fractures are one of the most serious fall-related injuries in seniors. Over 300,000 adults aged 65+ are hospitalized for them each year, and 95% are caused by falls. These incidents can also lead to spinal injuries or worsen existing conditions like scoliosis or muscular dystrophy.

After surgery, many face lasting mobility issues. Only 32.1% of seniors fully regain mobility within a year, while 59.6% remain independent but often rely on canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Diabetes and Circulatory Issues

Another major contributor to mobility loss is diabetes. Nearly 29.2% of Americans aged 65 and older live with the condition, which amounts to around 16.5 million seniors.

Up to 50% of diabetics develop neuropathy, causing numbness, pain, and weakness in the legs and feet. These symptoms often make walking difficult and unsafe.

Severe cases can lead to ulcers, pressure sores, and infections. Each year, about 73,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations are performed on people with diabetes in the U.S.

Obesity and Reduced Weight-Bearing Capacity

Obesity is a growing factor behind wheelchair use in older adults. Excess body weight increases pressure on the joints, reduces stamina, and makes everyday movement more difficult, especially for seniors managing other health conditions.

Seniors with a BMI over 35 often experience limited lower body mobility, making walking and standing difficult. In such cases, a healthcare professional can help assess individual needs and recommend suitable mobility devices. Access to wheelchair services and public transportation options is also crucial in supporting daily mobility for these individuals.

As a result, many older adults require wheelchairs, especially bariatric models that support higher weight limits. The global bariatric wheelchair market is expected to grow from $1.34 billion in 2025 to $2.39 billion by 2034. 

Age-Related Muscle Loss and Frailty

As people age, muscle mass naturally declines, which is a condition known as sarcopenia. This loss of strength and stability is a major reason many older adults begin using wheelchairs.

Studies show that 10%  to 16% of adults over 60 experience sarcopenia. The risk increases significantly with age, reaching up to 27%  in people aged 85 and older. This loss of muscle directly affects walking, balance, and the ability to carry out basic tasks safely, often requiring assistance from caregivers or specialized support for people with disabilities. 

In some cases, age-related medical conditions such as spasticity may further contribute to reduced mobility and muscle control.

Frailty, which often occurs alongside sarcopenia, brings additional mobility challenges. In the United States, 7% to 12% of adults over 65 are considered frail. 

Among those 85 and older, the rate rises to 25%. Frailty reduces stamina and coordination, and often leads to a fear of falling, which causes many seniors to move less and rely more on support.

Bottom Line

As America’s population ages, the use of a wheelchair is becoming more common among seniors facing mobility challenges from arthritis, stroke, obesity, and age-related muscle loss. Today, more than 2 million seniors in the United States rely on a wheelchair regularly. By the year 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, further increasing the demand for mobility support.

Arthritis affects nearly 54% of adults over age 75. Each year, around 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke, and diabetes-related complications lead to approximately 73,000 amputations annually. These conditions are some of the most common reasons older adults begin to use mobility aids.

Whether for short-term recovery or long-term use, the right mobility solution, such as a manual wheelchair, electric wheelchair, or even prosthetics, can play a vital role in maintaining independence and quality of life. Understanding these needs now is key to supporting safe, dignified aging in the years ahead.

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