Balance Problems in Older Adults: 5 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
As we get older, it is common to notice some changes in balance and mobility. However, persistent balance problems should not simply be accepted as a normal part of ageing.
Balance difficulties can increase the risk of falls and may affect confidence with walking, exercising, or leaving the house. The good news is that many balance problems can be improved with appropriate assessment and rehabilitation before falls occur.
Below are five signs that balance problems may need further assessment.
1. Feeling Unsteady When Walking
One of the most common signs of a balance problem is feeling unsteady when walking, particularly on uneven surfaces or in busy environments.
You may notice:
Walking more slowly than usual
Feeling unsure when turning
Difficulty walking on grass or slopes
Needing to hold onto furniture or walls
These changes can occur when the body’s balance systems are not working together effectively.
2. Frequent Tripping or Near Falls
Occasional trips can happen to anyone, but frequent tripping or near falls may indicate an underlying problem.
These may occur for many reasons such as reduced strength, changes to your balance reactions, changes to your senses that help you balance - vision, vestibular system, or your sensation to name a few.
Addressing these issues early can help reduce the risk of a serious fall.
3. Dizziness or Light-headedness
Dizziness is a common cause of balance problems in older adults.
Some people experience:
Brief episodes of vertigo
Light-headedness when standing
A general feeling of being off balance
Dizziness can be caused for many different reasons. In some cases, dizziness may be related to the vestibular system in the inner ear, which plays an important role in maintaining balance.
4. Avoiding Activities Due to Fear of Falling
Many people begin to avoid certain activities because they feel less steady. This might include walking longer distances, using stairs, shopping in busy places or exercising.
Unfortunately, reducing activity can lead to loss of strength and further balance decline, which can further increase fall risk.
5. Difficulty Getting Up After a Fall
If a fall does occur, difficulty getting up or regaining balance may indicate reduced strength, mobility or coordination.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults, so it is important to identify and address the underlying causes.
What affects balance as we age?
Balance depends on several systems working together, including the vestibular system in the inner ear, our vision, muscle strength, joint movement and our sensation. At the same time, our brain has the big job of needing to have the ability to process a wealth of balance information quickly in order for us to maintain upright and safe. Changes in any one of these systems can contribute to balance problems.
How physiotherapy can help
Physiotherapy can play an important role in improving balance and reducing fall risk. A physiotherapist can assess:
Balance and walking ability
Strength and mobility
Vestibular (inner ear) function
Coordination
The effectiveness of your bodies balance reaction strategies.
Based on the assessment, a personalised rehabilitation programme may include balance retraining exercises, strengthening exercises, walking practice or vestibular rehabilitation if dizziness is present.
The Rehab Team provides Neurological and Vestibular Physiotherapy to help people improve their balance, mobility and confidence. Our Physiotherapists would rather prevent people from having falls than needing to treatment injuries if a fall occurs.
As a mobile physiotherapy service, we assess and treat you in your own home throughout Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa. If you or a family member are experiencing balance difficulties or have concerns about falls, our team would be happy to help - Contact here
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