5 surprising causes of weak legs in seniors—and how to fix them! (Page 4 ) | November 1, 2025

Although leg weakness is common with age, it is often reversible. Staying active is your strongest defense against muscle loss and related issues.

Addressing any chronic health problems and looking after your back health also matters. Lastly, having emotional support and motivation makes a big difference.

Simple Home Exercises

Chair Stands: Practice rising from a chair and sitting back down slowly to build practical leg strength. If it’s difficult, use a higher chair or place a cushion on the seat, and work up to doing it without using your hands.
Lunges: These work each leg individually and challenge your balance. Take a forward step, lower your back knee gently, and push off to stand up again. Hold onto a surface if needed.
Walking: Walking is simple yet powerful. Start on level ground, using a cane or walker if you need stability. Build up gradually and try small hills or trails when confident.