September 9, 2024 | Healthy lifestyles, Maintaining Independence
September is the month each year we are reminded of how important it is to prevent falls, especially for older adults. Not every fall is preventable, of course. But most are.
Falls are a major risk for older adults, which makes reducing fall risks one of our most important priorities. In this post, we focus on five balance issues that can create an increased risk of falling—and smart steps to counteract the risk.
Vision changes
Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and other vision problems make it harder to see things we could trip on. They also can reduce our sense of balance and orientation in space.
Smart steps:
- Get your eyes checked regularly and update your eyewear to your current prescription.
- Discuss any vision problems you are experiencing with an ophthalmologist or other vision care professional, making sure to include fall risk concerns in the conversation.
Inner ear problems
Our ears do more than hear. The vestibular system located in the inner ear is important for our sense of position and balance. Normal changes of aging, bacterial or viral infections, certain medical conditions, and even a buildup of ear wax can cause you to experience dizziness and loss of balance.
Smart step:
- If you experience dizziness or any problem with your sense of balance, ask your doctor whether inner ear problems could be a cause.
Changes to blood vessels
Over time, our blood vessels lose some of their elasticity. When we change position, for example from sitting down to standing up, we can become dizzy and lightheaded. A person might even pass out. The cause might be as simple as dehydration, or a more serious health problem such as diabetes, stroke, heart problems or Parkinson’s disease. Dizziness, becoming lightheaded, and especially fainting can cause you to fall.
Smart step:
- If you experience any of these conditions, check with your doctor, asking what you can do to manage your risks of falling.
Numbness in legs and feet
Diseases such as diabetes, as well as some of the normal changes of aging, make it harder for our nerves to send messages to the brain about exactly where our feet and legs are, and about the surface we’re standing on. Is it uneven? Slanted? Are we standing on the edge of a curb or stair?
Smart steps:
- Get in the habit of paying close attention to your legs and feet; are they giving you a clear feel for the surface you’re on and what you’re doing (walking, stepping up, stepping down, etc.)?
- Not sure of something or feel like you’re moving too fast? Just a few extra moments to take in your surroundings and your next steps.
Medication side effects
Alone or combined with other drugs, many of the medicines older adults take can cause dizziness. Blood pressure medications, in particular, can cause unsteadiness. Sedatives, sleep medications, some heart medications, antidepressants, pain medications and even some herbal products also can affect our sense of balance. Drinking alcohol or using cannabis can also affect balance.
Smart steps:
- When you are discussing the medications you’re taking with your doctor or other healthcare professional be sure to include the risk of falling in your conversation.
- Keep your own personal risk of falling top of mind as you take your medications, consume alcohol, or engage in other things that could make you less alert and steady on your feet.
This is only a partial list of conditions that can affect our sense of balance. Your doctor and other health care providers can be your best partners in understanding the role your sense of balance plays in helping you avoid falling. Let them know fall prevention is one of your most important goals. And ask for their support and practical suggestions.