There are many challenges associated with aging, but one of the most dangerous is the risk of falling. Falling is a leading cause of injury among seniors, due in part to the loss of balance they often experience as they grow older. In this article, we will discuss the causes and remedies to losing your balance.
Balance issues in older adults are common and can be caused by many things, including medications, health conditions, vision problems, and hazards in their environment. Balance challenges can be frightening and disorienting, and fear of falling can significantly influence how you approach everyday life. If a senior is afraid to go for walks, exercise, or visit friends because of their balance issues, they can fall into a sedentary lifestyle that causes a deterioration in muscle and bone – leading to even more health issues.
What Causes Balance Issues in Seniors?
The underlying reasons for balance issues tend to be unique to each individual. Lightheadedness may stem from circulatory system problems, including a past stroke. Breathing issues caused by COPD and other respiratory conditions can also make maintaining balance challenging, especially when standing up from a sitting position. However, balance problems are not always associated with medical issues. Here are some other possible reasons balance is difficult for seniors:
Medication: Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines are developed to fight symptoms of disease and help us feel better. However, side effects can often include dizziness and balance issues. This is most common with blood pressure medications. Don’t stop taking your prescribed medication, but definitely alert your doctor that you are having issues. They may be able to provide an alternate medication.
Vision-Related Problems: Balance can be diminished by vision difficulties as well. Impaired vision, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, can cause older adults to feel unsteady on their feet and unsure of their environment, which can result in falls.
Chronic Conditions: For many people, living with a chronic condition means daily life is impacted – often by balance challenges. Diabetics experience dizziness when blood sugar is too low, while COPD and cardiovascular disease are also linked to issues with maintaining balance.
Hearing Loss: Inner ear disorders are notorious for leading to these types of issues. The body’s sense of equilibrium is regulated by the inner ear, and any condition that affects or infects the inner ear can significantly impact someone’s ability to stay upright.
Symptoms of Possible Disorders
These challenges often build up over time, so you may be able to alleviate the problem before it becomes too serious. Contact your physician if you experience any of the following on a regular basis:
- Dizziness when standing from a sitting or lying position
- Dizziness or “spinning” feeling when standing for long periods of time
- Feeling lightheaded, faint, or like you are “floating.”
- Blurred vision
- Feelings of confusion or disorientation
- Falling down or needing to sit to avoid falling
How Can You Improve Your Balance?
Whatever is causing your imbalance problems, there are ways to cope and overcome it. Be sure to consult with your doctor and any other health care providers to determine the right path to take. In general, you can try these strategies for regaining your balance:
- Speak to your physician about adjusting your medications
- Work on balance in a safe environment, such as taking tai chi or yoga classes.
- Retrofit your environment to help you gain your balance more quickly – add grab bars and handrails where possible, and remove anything you may trip over, such as area rugs.
- Make sure that all areas in the home that you walk are well lit. Add illumination if necessary, especially at night.
Assisted living communities are specially prepared to help seniors deal with balance issues. They can help to create a safe environment in your room, add grab bars, help you to access a walker or wheelchair, and provide fitness classes to help improve balance. If you are a senior afraid to continue living on your own due to fear of falling, it may be time to look into an adult living residence.
A Banyan Residence is an assisted living and memory care center in The Villages.
