Whether you’re young or old, keeping balance is critical. While it’s easy for young people to achieve this, it can be a challenge for the elderly because of factors such as poor vision, weak muscles, and certain medications. However, the natural process of aging doesn’t mean you have to lose balance. If a senior person is struggling to keep steady on their feet, the cause could be something different from age. The major causes are a disorder, a specific injury, or disease.
Here are some balance problems that seniors and caregivers need to know:
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)- Least known among many people, it’s a common type of balance disorder. Those above 60 should watch out for its major symptom: intense vertigo whenever you bend down. It can even occur when you’re rolling over in bed. BPPV is an inner ear disturbance, and its possible causes are aging, head injury, or ear infection.
• Méniére’s disease- It’s another common cause of balance problems, and its common sign is feeling ‘full’ in your ear. Those with this disease may also experience ringing in their ears, vertigo, and occasional hearing loss. It’s important to note that hearing loss may affect your balance, increasing the risks of falling.
• Labyrinthitis- It’s an infection that affects the inner ear, usually associated with flu. When your inner ear is infected and inflamed, the outcome can be balance problems.
• Chronic medical conditions- Lingering health conditions can cause balance problems, a good example being eye problems, arthritis, and heart problems. Also, long-term medical conditions may interfere with the nervous system and may possibly affect balance. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
One out of three senior Americans experience falls every year. So, if balance problems continue, check out the home surroundings for obstacles that can be causing the problem. You may also consider relocating to a safer community designed to address older adults’ unique needs.
Here are some balance problems that seniors and caregivers need to know:
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)- Least known among many people, it’s a common type of balance disorder. Those above 60 should watch out for its major symptom: intense vertigo whenever you bend down. It can even occur when you’re rolling over in bed. BPPV is an inner ear disturbance, and its possible causes are aging, head injury, or ear infection.
• Méniére’s disease- It’s another common cause of balance problems, and its common sign is feeling ‘full’ in your ear. Those with this disease may also experience ringing in their ears, vertigo, and occasional hearing loss. It’s important to note that hearing loss may affect your balance, increasing the risks of falling.
• Labyrinthitis- It’s an infection that affects the inner ear, usually associated with flu. When your inner ear is infected and inflamed, the outcome can be balance problems.
• Chronic medical conditions- Lingering health conditions can cause balance problems, a good example being eye problems, arthritis, and heart problems. Also, long-term medical conditions may interfere with the nervous system and may possibly affect balance. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
One out of three senior Americans experience falls every year. So, if balance problems continue, check out the home surroundings for obstacles that can be causing the problem. You may also consider relocating to a safer community designed to address older adults’ unique needs.
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