Balance loss in older adults

Balance issues in older adults can stem from various causes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment for any underlying conditions, along with preventive measures, can help reduce fall risks and serious injuries.

As people age, their chance of developing balance problems rises. This, in turn, increases their chance of falling and sustaining serious physical injuries, which can lead to diminished independence.

Research published in 2022 reveals that around 26.5% of older adults worldwide experienced falls.

This article discusses the types of balance issues a person might develop as they age, what can cause them, and how to manage or treat them.

In a 2024 study on older adults, researchers found that balance, particularly the ability to stand on one leg, declined significantly with age compared to regular walking and strength.

That said, while loss of balance may seem self-explanatory, various symptoms can accompany it, and it does not look the same for every person.

Balance problems can develop gradually with age and always warrant a consultation with a doctor. That said, if a person develops symptoms suddenly or other symptoms accompany balance loss, a person should seek more immediate care.

A person’s balance depends on various bodily systems working together. These systems include the brain, the inner ear (vestibular system), the muscles and joints, and the nerves.

As people age, the collaboration between these systems can begin to falter for various reasons. These include:

Some of these changes may occur on their own with age, while medical conditions that affect the brain, nerves, or other parts of the body that are necessary for balance can trigger others. Examples include:

In addition, some external factors may contribute to balance issues. Certain medications, such as sleep aids or heart prescriptions, can cause wooziness or delayed reflexes, or a person may need alternative, more supportive footwear to protect them from falls.

Aging itself can contribute to balance issues. That said, according to a 2022 study, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was the most common physical cause of balance disorders among 121 patients.

If a person’s balance issues result from an underlying medical problem, their treatment will depend on the specific cause.

However, certain general interventions that a doctor may commonly recommend include physical therapy, balance exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, or the use of an assistive device.

Medicare can cover physical therapy if medically necessary. A person can get coverage under Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.

In addition, a person’s Part C plan may cover SilverSneakers, which is a health and fitness program that provides gym access and fitness classes.

Some workout options may be specifically tailored for older adults or may include balanced-focused workouts.

In addition, a person who is concerned about developing balance issues in the future, or whose current problems are relatively mild, can engage in certain lifestyle practices to help prevent or postpone the development of balance issues later in life.

These include doing balance exercises, getting regular vision check-ups, regularly reviewing medications with a doctor, getting supportive footwear, and adding home devices, such as handrails.

Balance issues in older adults can have a variety of causes. Because this can lead to a higher chance of falling and serious injury, diagnosing and treating any underlying causes is crucial.

Preventive measures and lifestyle strategies can help older adults lower their chance of falling and retain self-sufficiency.