Loss of balance not part of aging
By Graciela Gutierrez
When an elderly person feels off balance or falls for no apparent reason, don't just chalk it up to age. There may be something physically wrong, warns Helen Cohen, Ed.D., professor of otolaryngology at Baylor College of Medicine.
The good news is that conditions that cause imbalance in the elderly are treatable, Cohen said.
Not natural
"It's never just your age. It's not normal to be off balance even when you're elderly," Cohen said. "If you fall and it's not because you tripped on your cat, you need to see a doctor."
Losing your balance could be caused by a number of different issues, among them heart problems or neurological and inner ear disorders. You should seek a diagnosis from a physician. Left untreated, some conditions that cause dizziness could become life threatening.
Disequilibrium of age
One kind of balance disorder seen in older adults is called disequilibrium of age. While age is a factor, wear and tear on joints, muscles and inner ear mechanisms cause the balance issues.
"Disequilibrium of age can be treated with different exercises to help a person regain balance," Cohen said. "If it is just brushed off as age, it will only get worse and could potentially cause a dangerous fall. It could cause loss of independence."
Safety tips for the home
Once balance issues have been diagnosed and treated, it's important to deal with external issues that could contribute to falls.
Cohen suggests:
- Removing clutter in the home
- Adding non-slip strips to throw rugs
- Rearranging furniture to create clear walkways
- Adding grab bars near the tub or railings along hallways
"It's important to find out what physical ailments are causing balance problems," Cohen said. "Changes to the home may help, but it won't solve the problem."
