Visual depth illusion and falls in the elderly.

This article investigates the relation of vision and the effects of age on the maintenance of posture. This relationship in the elderly is explored within the context of visual depth illusions induced by repeating patterns that occur on escalator treads and elsewhere in the environment. Age does not appear to reduce the susceptibility of the elderly to visual depth illusions. However, if age is coupled with declines in motor control and strength, the elderly are probably more susceptible to falls.