Understanding Age Related Balance Disorders

Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of injuries for adults ages 65 and older, accounting for over 1.4 million incidents yearly in the USA.About 1 in 4 older adults experience a fall each year that causes injuries ranging from minor bumps and bruises to life-threatening bone fractures and head trauma.Falls are the most common accident that sends seniors to the hospital, accounting for over 1 million visits to emergency rooms each year.One of the primary reasons why older adults are more prone to fall accidents is because they suffer more often from balance disorders.

Balance is the ability to keep your body in a steady position with your weight distributed equally so that you have the equilibrium to remain upright while performing routine, daily living tasks.Many older adults experience balance issues and the causes can vary including loss of muscle tone and mass, inner ear disorders, chronic medical conditions, reactions to medications, and excessive alcohol consumption.All these factors can cause dizziness or loss of balance which can lead to falls.While it is normal to occasionally have moments where you feel lightheaded or dizzy, if the symptoms persist or become more severe, it is time to consult a medical professional for evaluation and treatment.

The type of treatments recommended will depend on the root cause of balance problems, so it is essential to get a proper diagnosis that isolates the cause of the problem.Some treatments that are effective include:Exercises that improve muscle tone and strength.While the process of aging naturally causes loss of muscle mass and strength, the rate at which it occurs can be diminished by engaging in regular exercise programs or activities.A thorough review with your medical providers of the prescribed and over-the-counter medications you are taking.

Anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications prescribed to control diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and pain are some of the drugs that typically are associated causing balance issues.Blood pressure monitoring.If your blood pressure is too high (hypertension) or too low (hypotension), your sense of balance can be impacted.Both can cause you to experience dizziness or lightheadedness, so it is important to check your blood pressure regularly.Eat healthy, nutritious meals.

A proper diet will provide the necessary nutrients your body needs to support healthy muscles, nerve health, and overall bodily stability all crucial factors for maintaining good balance in your senior years.Have your vision checked.The quality of your vision is closely related to the quality of your balance.Good vision is crucial to maintaining postural control and stability as you age, so having your eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist once a year can reduce the risk of vision related falls and injury.Have your hearing checked.

Difficulties with hearing are often associated with balance disorders in older adults.Inner ear problems such as swelling, fluid buildup, or infections can cause vertigo which is a type of dizziness that makes you feel as if everything is spinning or moving.Many hearing and inner ear problems are easily treatable, so seek professional help as soon as possible.Minimize alcohol consumption.

Excessive alcohol use can cause balance issues for people of any age but for seniors, it can be especially risky because of age related bodily changes as well as how alcohol interacts with medications and many over-the-counter health products.The rule of thumb here is simple: if you have problems with balance, avoid consuming alcohol in any amount.Feeling dizzy or having a sense of losing your balance is common among older adults.Most often, it is treatable and even preventable if diagnosed by your doctor.

If you are suffering from periodic or persistent balance problems, talk to your medical team about ways to get your sense of balance back so that you can enjoy fully living life as safely as possible.