Older adults undergoing surgical procedures are on a rise and may increase the burden of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Preservation of functional capacity and retained quality of life has been shown to be the most important endpoints for senior adults facing surgery. Loss of independence, as defined by a decrease in function or mobility or increase in care needs after surgery, is common in older adults across a wide spectrum of surgeries. There are multiple risk factors associated with functional decline for older adults. Frailty and nonelective surgery are more commonly associated with loss of function. Preoperative assessment to mitigate modifiable risk factors in older adults can enhance functional recovery.