Quick answer
Difficulty standing up usually comes from weaker thigh and hip muscles, stiff or painful joints, or a chair that’s too low or too soft. The fastest fixes are a safer standing technique (scoot forward, feet back, “nose over toes”), a firmer, higher chair with armrests, and strength exercises, ideally with a physical therapist. A stand-assist rail or a lift chair can help a lot. See the doctor if the change is sudden or comes with dizziness or falls.
It starts small. A little rocking back and forth before standing. An extra push on the armrests. A soft “oof” every time Dad gets out of his favorite recliner. Then one day he can’t get out of it at all without help.
Getting up from a chair is something we do dozens of times a day, and when it gets hard, it affects everything: getting to the bathroom in time, answering the door, and confidence. It’s also a moment when falls often happen. Here’s what’s going on and what helps.
Why Standing Up Gets Harder
- Weaker leg muscles. The thigh and hip muscles that power standing lose strength with age and inactivity. This is the most common cause, and the good news is it’s often improvable.
- Arthritis or joint pain in the knees, hips or back.
- The wrong chair. Low, deep, soft sofas and recliners make standing much harder for anyone.
- Dizziness on standing, from a drop in blood pressure, sometimes caused by medications.
- Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, or recovery after illness or surgery.
When to See the Doctor
- The difficulty came on suddenly, or there’s new weakness on one side (call 911 for stroke warning signs)
- Your parent feels dizzy or lightheaded when standing
- There have been falls or near-falls
- Pain is getting worse
Ask the doctor about a referral to physical therapy. Medicare Part B covers outpatient physical therapy when it’s medically necessary, and a therapist can tailor exercises and teach safe techniques. Also ask for a medication review if dizziness is a factor.
A Safer Way to Stand Up
This technique, commonly taught by physical therapists, makes standing easier and safer:
- Scoot forward to the front edge of the seat.
- Place the feet flat, slightly apart, and tucked back a little under the knees.
- Put both hands on the armrests (not on a walker, which can roll or tip).
- Lean forward, “nose over toes,” so your weight moves over your feet.
- Push up through the legs and arms and stand tall.
- Pause for a few seconds before walking, to make sure you’re steady and not dizzy. Then take hold of the walker or cane.
Make the Chair Work for Them
- Choose a firm chair with sturdy armrests that extend to the front of the seat.
- Get the height right: when seated, hips should be level with or slightly higher than the knees. Furniture risers or a firm cushion can raise a chair that’s too low.
- Avoid deep, soft, sinking seats for everyday use.
- Our free Lift Chair Size Finder helps you work out the right seat height and size.
Build Strength (Gently)
Leg strength can improve at any age. A simple exercise many therapists recommend is the sit-to-stand: from a sturdy chair with armrests, stand up slowly using the technique above, then sit back down slowly, a few times in a row, once or twice a day. Only do this with a stable chair, with someone nearby at first, and ideally after checking with a doctor or physical therapist. Stop if there’s pain or dizziness.
Equipment That Helps
Stand Assist Mobility Rail
A weighted-base rail that slides beside a sofa, chair or bed to give a solid handhold for standing up. No installation needed. Rated well, though from a relatively small number of reviews.
- Stand-assist rails and handles give something sturdy to push up from. See our stand assist guide.
- A power lift chair gently tilts forward to help your parent stand. It’s one of the most life-changing pieces of equipment for people who struggle every day. See our lift chair guide.
- A properly sized cane or walker for those first steps after standing. See our cane guide and walker guide.
- A raised toilet seat or safety frame, because if standing from a chair is hard, the toilet is usually harder. See our toilet seat guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my elderly parent struggle to get up from a chair?
Most often because of weaker thigh and hip muscles, joint pain, or a chair that’s too low and soft. Dizziness when standing, sometimes from medications, can also play a part.
What is the easiest way for an elderly person to stand up from a chair?
Scoot to the front of the seat, tuck the feet back, put both hands on the armrests, lean “nose over toes,” push up, and pause before walking.
How can seniors strengthen their legs to stand up more easily?
Sit-to-stand practice from a sturdy chair, done safely and ideally guided by a physical therapist, is one of the most effective exercises. Medicare Part B can cover physical therapy when it’s medically necessary.
Is a lift chair worth it?
For people who struggle to stand every day, a lift chair can restore independence and reduce strain on caregivers. Make sure it’s the right size for your parent’s height and weight.
This article provides general information and is not medical advice. Talk to your loved one’s doctor or physical therapist before starting exercises. This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate (website0079-20) I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.