Age is not acting as a hurdle for elderly Americans, revealed a new study. They are taking help of canes, walkers and other mobility aids to keep moving. As per the researchers, around one-quarter of American seniors use the mobility aids.

As part of the study, interviews were taken of more than 7,600 Medicare beneficiaries. The seniors who took part in the study were asked about pain history, vision impairment, balance and coordination.

Researchers also examined their ability to walk, lift, carry, bend, reach and grasp. From which, it was found that use of canes and other mobility devices increased by around 50% over an eight-year period.

The researchers stated that around 10% of elderly use more than one mobility device. From 2004 to 2012, mobility device usage among adults aged 65 and above increased from 16 to 24%.

There are a number of factors behind a rise in the use of mobility devices, including awareness among elderly of the need of keep moving in the old age.

Study's lead researcher Nancy Gell, assistant professor of rehabilitation and movement science at the University of Vermont, said, "It may also be that these devices are just more socially acceptable. Or that changes in the environment have improved accessibility for those who use them. Or that as people live longer there is simply more disability, and a growing need".

Dr. Lauren Gleason, a geriatric medicine fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, said that rise is surprising. But she also stated that people are now living longer. Now, people living in the community have more information on the risk of falling and this fact could have led to a greater acceptance of devices. Another reason could be that there is an increased access to mobility devices.