Prevalence and profile of those affected
Reduced mobility is one of the most common conditions among Spain's older population. According to the INE Disability Survey (EDAD), more than 3.4 million people over 65 have functional limitations related to movement. This figure has grown in absolute terms due to demographic ageing, although relative prevalence has stabilised thanks to improvements in early detection and rehabilitation. The predominant profile is women over 75 living alone or with a partner of similar age, a group especially vulnerable to the consequences of progressive mobility decline.
The most commonly associated conditions are osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fracture sequelae, and neurological diseases such as stroke or Parkinson's disease. In rural settings, the lack of adapted transport and local services considerably worsens the situation. The INE estimates that in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, the proportion of older adults with reduced mobility who cannot access rehabilitation services exceeds 45%, compared to 18% in provincial capitals.
The progressive ageing of Spain's baby boom generation (born between 1957 and 1977) foreshadows a significant rise in prevalence over the coming decade. CSIC projections suggest that by 2035, the number of older adults with severe mobility limitations could surpass 4.5 million if prevention and rehabilitation policies are not strengthened.
Falls, dependency, and healthcare costs
Falls are the most serious and immediate consequence of reduced mobility in older adults. In Spain, around 1.8 million falls occur each year among people over 65, with hip fracture being the most frequent and costly injury. One-year mortality following a hip fracture in older adults ranges between 20% and 30%, according to SECOT data. Beyond mortality, 40% of hip fracture survivors never regain their previous level of independence, becoming permanently dependent on care.
The direct cost of falls among older adults is estimated at over 2 billion euros per year for the Spanish healthcare system, including hospitalisations, surgeries, rehabilitation, and home care. Added to this is the indirect cost arising from increased dependency and reduced quality of life, which also impacts informal carers. The Ministry of Health calculates that each hip fracture in an older adult generates an average cost of 9,500 euros in the first year, not counting subsequent social-health care or the associated family burden.
The link between reduced mobility and social isolation
Reduced mobility is not solely a physical problem: its social consequences are equally profound. Difficulty leaving the home, using public transport, or attending day centres drastically limits opportunities for social contact. CIS data show that 62% of older adults with very limited mobility feel lonely frequently, a rate almost double that of those who retain freedom of movement. This gap widens during winter months, when weather conditions further hinder travel and outdoor activities.
This isolation fuels a vicious cycle: lack of social stimulation accelerates cognitive and emotional decline, which in turn reduces motivation to stay physically active and worsens mobility restrictions. The CSIC National Health Survey documents that older adults experiencing both reduced mobility and social isolation simultaneously face a 48% higher risk of developing depression than those who maintain regular social contact despite their physical limitations.
Interventions and the role of technology
Preventing and addressing reduced mobility requires a comprehensive approach combining physical rehabilitation, environmental adaptation, and maintenance of social bonds. Therapeutic exercise programmes have been shown to reduce fall risk by up to 30%, but adherence is low when the older person lacks motivation or emotional support. The SEGG recommends integrating social intervention as part of rehabilitation treatment, not as an optional add-on.
Companionship services that require no travel, such as Hermet's personalised phone calls, can break the isolation cycle by maintaining social connection from the comfort of home. For older adults with reduced mobility, a daily conversation not only combats loneliness but also helps preserve cognitive function, reinforce treatment adherence, and detect early signs of deterioration that might otherwise go unnoticed.