Blog — Health-E3

Balancing Act

An estimated 1 in 3 people in the US over 65 years of age fall each year
and every 19 minutes, an older adult in America dies from a fall-related injury.

- Harvard Health Newsletter

Good balance is important to help us walk safely, carry out daily activities, and stay independent. Balance is key to avoiding falls that can potentially lead to bone fractures and brain injuries. Maintaining good balance is a life long goal that begins when we teach our children balance by holding their hands as they learn to walk and run.

As we age, we often start to notice balance problems and feel like we are becoming less stable. Our sense of balance relies on a steady, effective flow of information across multiple internal systems: the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), vestibular system (brain and inner ear), visual system (brain and eyes), and position-sensing nerves. The natural aging process can bring with it a loss of muscle, slower reflexes, and hearing and eyesight issues, which all affect our strength, steadiness, and confidence. Furthermore, at any age, particular health conditions such as inner ear disorders, heart rhythm disturbances, and neuropathy can impact our balance.

We don't have to accept diminished balance as part of healthy aging. If you experience dizziness and balance issues talk to your physician who can check for the following underlying conditions:

Labyrinthitis - inflammation in the inner ear system

Vestibular neuritis - inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve in the ear

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) - changes in the head position which cause vertigo

Meniere's disease - causing sudden vertigo

Acoustic neuroma - a noncancerous tumor in the inner ear

Neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease

Cardiovascular disease

Low blood pressure

Head injury

Peripheral neuropathy

Headaches/migraines

Motion sickness

The proper treatment to improve balance depends on identifying the cause of the balance problem; fortunately, a wide variety of effective treatment options are available. As examples, a customized program of floor, seated, and standing balance exercises can help with improving core strength that can aid in balance as well as improving safety on uneven surfaces. There are positioning procedures for BPPV to clear particles out of the inner ear and deposit them in a different area of the ear. In some cases diet changes such as limiting salt, caffeine and alcohol can help balance, while medications to help with blood pressure, dizziness, and vomiting can also be of use. In cases of Meniere's disease or an acoustic neuroma surgery may be indicated.

Simple and immediate things to consider in terms of improving your balance and preventing falls are: use of a cane or walker, inspecting your home for safety, practicing moving from a seated to a standing position, wearing proper supportive shoes, taking yoga, Pilates, or tai chi classes, and visiting your eye doctor to ensure your prescription is current. In terms of safety at home, general suggestions include: checking for handrails and grips, avoiding the use of stepstools, fixing broken, uneven, or unmarked steps, removing thin throw rugs instead using non-skid mats, cleaning up clutter, and ensuring proper lighting.

Chronic balance problems can affect all aspects of life - your relationships, work performance, ability to enjoy your hobbies, or even carry out the most basic daily activities. If you are experiencing trouble with your balance, be sure to speak with your physician about a plan that can provide you with valuable physical, mental, and emotional support.

As always, join us on the Health-E³ website blog page We look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences. Feel free to ask questions about anything on the website or suggest ideas for additional helpful information. And remember, it's up to you to Take Charge of Your Health.

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