Up to 65% of older adults who walk independently will lose this capacity during a hospital stay. In older adults, loss of walking independence increases the length of hospital stay, the need for rehabilitation services and for institutionalization, as well as the risk of falls (during hospital stay and after discharge) and the risk of death. Bed rest or limited walking during a hospital stay causes deconditioning and is one of the primary risk factors for loss of independence and adverse outcome in hospitalized older adults. Because early mobilisation improves the autonomy and outcomes in elderly patients, it is of major importance that all healthcare workers pay attention to that measure of care.