Why Walkable Cities Matter More as We Age — and What Happens When They Don’t

I used to walk a few blocks to my dad’s house after work. Then, one day, I tripped over a cracked sidewalk and landed hard. Scraped hands, bruised ribs, and a bruised ego—but it could’ve been worse.

That fall made me think about my dad, now in his 80s, and how a simple walk could lead to a life-changing injury. If you’re over 40 and have aging parents—or are starting to feel the effects of aging yourself—you know how much mobility matters.

We talk a lot about home safety, fall prevention inside the house, and medical alert systems. But what about the streets outside?

The truth is that many cities are failing older adults with dangerous sidewalks, poorly timed traffic signals, and zero places to rest. And the consequences go far beyond inconvenience.

A Walkable City Isn’t Just Nice to Have—It’s Essential

For many older adults, walking is the main way to get around once driving becomes less safe or less practical.

A safe, walkable neighborhood lets them:

• Run errands without relying on others.
• Stay physically active and socially engaged.
• Maintain independence longer.

Walking also improves balance and heart health, reducing the risk of falls and chronic disease. Studies link walkable neighborhoods to better mental health and lower rates of isolation among seniors.

“Walking is freedom,” said Debra, 71, a retired teacher from Minneapolis now living in Knoxville.

But only if you feel safe doing it.

The Real Risk: Falls Outside the Home

What is the most dangerous threat to seniors in a poorly designed city? Falls.

According to the CDC, more than 36 million older adults fall each year in the U.S. Roughly 3 million end up in emergency rooms. Many of those injuries happen outside—on sidewalks, curbs, and crosswalks.

With an older adult who already has age and chronic illness issues, a fall can be a catastrophe.

• About 37% of fall-related injuries among older adults are serious enough to restrict activity or require treatment.
• Over 38,000 older Americans died from unintentional falls in the most recent data (2021).
• Medical costs for fall-related injuries exceeded $50 billion annually.

These injuries often lead to hospital stays and long-term care. That’s not just a health issue—it’s a financial one. The LTC News Cost of Care Calculator shows just how expensive recovery can be when home care, assisted living, or nursing home care is needed.

What Makes a City Safe to Walk?

Designing a city with seniors in mind doesn’t take a miracle—it just takes intention. Look for these features in a senior-friendly, walkable neighborhood:

• Flat, even sidewalks — no cracks, gaps, or clutter.
• Frequent benches — every few hundred feet.
• Audible crosswalk signals — with long enough timing for slower walkers.
• Curb ramps and tactile paving — for wheelchairs, walkers, and visual impairments.
• Street lighting and visible signage — especially near intersections and transit stops.
• Shade trees and public restrooms — comfort matters.

Some communities, like those recognized as “Age-Friendly” by AARP, have started prioritizing these features. But progress is uneven across the U.S.

Many experts say that cities that ignore walkability unintentionally isolate their oldest residents. That isolation costs everyone—emotionally and economically.

How Unsafe Streets Lead to Costly Care

If a senior falls on a public sidewalk and ends up in long-term rehab or assisted living, families are suddenly faced with difficult decisions. Many don’t have Long-Term Care Insurance in place. Medicare won’t cover most non-medical care needs and only pays for short-term skilled care, which some might need after a fall, but that would cover only 100 days.

Out-of-pocket costs can hit tens of thousands annually.

When Legal Action May Be Necessary After a Senior Falls

If your parent—or you—suffers a fall in a public place, the consequences can go far beyond bruises or a broken wrist. Falls often lead to long-term injuries, hospital stays, and even permanent disability.

Someone may be legally responsible when that fall happens in an unsafe urban area. Speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer can help your family understand your rights and options for seeking accountability when injuries occur.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability depends on where and why the fall occurred:

• City or Municipality: If the fall happened on a public sidewalk, crosswalk, or poorly maintained park trail, the city could be at fault. Cities have a legal duty to maintain public walkways and repair hazards like cracked pavement or missing curb ramps.
• Private Property Owners or Businesses: If the fall occurred in front of a store, apartment building, or privately maintained area (like a shopping plaza or assisted living complex), the owner may be liable. Property owners must keep sidewalks, entryways, and parking lots safe and accessible.
• Contractors or Third Parties: In some cases, responsibility may lie with construction crews, utility companies, or snow removal contractors who created or ignored a hazard.

“I tripped over a lifted sidewalk slab outside a small grocery store,” said Linda Watson, 68, from Cleveland.

After surgery and three months in rehab, I found myself needing help in my home, unable to get in and out of the shower, or even get dressed without some help. I discovered later that the store was supposed to report that hazard to the city. They never did.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

Not every fall justifies legal action. But if the injury was serious, and especially if it led to a hospital stay or long-term care, it’s worth speaking with a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you:

• Determine who was responsible for the area where the fall occurred.
• Investigate whether previous complaints or reports were filed.
• Document the injury and costs of care.
• File a claim within your state’s statute of limitations.

Some cases result in compensation for medical bills, long-term care costs, and pain and suffering. Others may trigger changes to unsafe infrastructure—making the area safer for other older adults.

Protecting Your Rights—and Others

If you’re helping an aging parent who’s been injured in a public space, take these steps:

• Document the hazard with photos and video.
• Get medical care and keep all records.
• Report the incident to the city or property owner immediately.
• Talk to a lawyer who specializes in pedestrian or premises liability.

Falls can be traumatic, but they don’t have to go unanswered. When cities or businesses fail to maintain safe environments, legal action isn’t just about compensation—it’s about accountability and prevention.

The Bigger Picture: Walkability Helps Everyone

Fixing walkability isn’t just a senior issue—it’s a human issue. Parents with strollers, people with disabilities, delivery workers, and everyday pedestrians all benefit from safer streets. More walkable neighborhoods also see:

• Better public health outcomes.
• More foot traffic to small businesses.
• Fewer car trips and emissions.

When we design for aging well, we build smarter cities for all ages.

Your Next Step: Walk Your Neighborhood

Ask yourself: Would your parents feel safe walking here? Would you?

If the answer is no, speak up. Contact your city council. Join a neighborhood walk audit. Advocate for “Complete Streets” policies prioritizing all users—not just drivers.

Proactive Planning

Proactive planning is also better than crisis management.

• Talk with your parents about how they get around.
• Review neighborhood safety—walk it yourself.
• Look at their Long-Term Care Insurance coverage before a fall or other aging or health event creates a crisis.
• Use trusted resources like the LTC News Caregiver Directory to find qualified caregivers and long-term care facilities.
• If a loved one has an LTC policy, get free help processing the claim - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Now is also a good time to put your long-term care plan in place - Long-Term Care Education Center. This way, as you get older, you and your family can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you'll have access to your choice of quality care—even at home—without the worry of burdening your loved ones or draining financial resources to pay for costly long-term care services.