How Getting Older Affects Your Balance

How Getting Older Affects Your Balance

Many older adults experience problems with balance and dizziness. Problems can be caused by certain medications, balance disorders or other medical conditions. Balance problems are one reason older people fall. Maintaining good balance as you age and learning about fall prevention can help you get around, stay independent and carry out daily activities.  

You are more likely to have problems with balance as you grow older. In some cases, you can help reduce your risk for certain balance problems, but problems often can start suddenly and without obvious cause. 

Balance problems can be caused by certain medications or medical conditions. The list below covers some common causes of balance problems. 

• Medications. Check with your doctor if you notice balance problems while taking certain medications. Ask if other medications can be used instead, if the dosage can be safely reduced, or if there are other ways to reduce unwanted side effects. 
• Inner ear problems. A part of the inner ear called the labyrinth is responsible for balance. When the labyrinth becomes inflamed, a condition called labyrinthitis occurs, causing vertigo and imbalance.  
• Alcohol. Alcohol in the blood can also cause dizziness and balance problems by affecting how the inner ear works. 
• Other medical conditions. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or problems with your vision, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels can cause dizziness and other balance problems. 

Symptoms of balance disorders

If you have a balance disorder, you might experience symptoms such as: 

• Dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation) 
• Falling or feeling as if you are going to fall 
• Staggering when you try to walk 
• Light-headedness 
• Blurred vision 
• Confusion or disorientation 

Other symptoms might include nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; changes in heart rate and blood pressure and feelings of fear, anxiety, or panic. Symptoms may come and go over short periods or last for a long time and can lead to fatigue and depression.  

Treatments for balance problems and disorders  

Balance problems due to high blood pressure may be managed by eating less salt, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. Balance problems due to low blood pressure may be managed by drinking plenty of fluids such as water; avoiding alcohol; and being cautious regarding your body’s posture and movement, such as never standing up too quickly. 

The following exercises can be done at home to help improve your balance:  

1. Heel-toe walking – Standing upright, place your right heel on the floor directly in front of your left toe. Then do the same with your left heel. Make sure you keep looking forward at all times. If necessary, put your fingers against a wall for stability.
2. Single-leg standing – Start by standing facing the wall, with your arms outstretched and your fingertips touching the wall. Lift your left leg, keep your hips level and keep a slight bend in the opposite leg. Gently place your foot back on the floor. 
3. Step-ups – Use a step, preferably with a railing or near a wall, to use as support. Step up with your right leg. Bring your left leg up to join it. Step down again and return to the start position. 

If you’re suffering with balance issues and would like help creating a suitable individualised rehabilitation programme, you can book in for an initial physiotherapy assessment session by contacting us by phone on 02031120119, by email on ergotechealth@gmail.com or via WhatsApp on +447960380053 or clicking the green WhatsApp button on the bottom right corner of our website.