The 8 Most Dangerous Ladders to Avoid in 2025—Especially If You’re Over 65

You’re not clumsy. The ladder is.
You're just trying to do something simple—replace a porch light, reach that attic bin, clean the gutters—but that ladder you bought for “convenience” starts to wobble, creak, or even buckle. And suddenly, that five-minute chore becomes a trip to the ER.

For seniors especially, even a short fall can mean broken bones, months of recovery, or permanent injury. That’s why it’s critical to know what ladder not to trust.

Here are 8 ladders we’d tell any older homeowner to avoid, based on real complaints, weak designs, and dangerous shortcuts. Plus, what to get instead—because staying safe shouldn't mean giving up independence.