Sidewalk Cracks Can Quadruple Disabilities Among Older Adults

That crack in the sidewalk is more than just an eyesore: It's a danger, according to a new University of Michigan study. Sidewalk splits, broken curbs, and potholes can quadruple disabilities among older adults who are already struggling with leg strength and balance, says the study. The researchers found that among people with leg weakness and balance problems, those living on streets in fair or poor condition were more than four times as likely as those living on streets in good condition to report a lot of difficulty walking two or three blocks. The research was published in the September 2008 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.