HOW SENIORS GET THEIR BALANCE BACK
STORY BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Balance issues can pose a serious threat to individual health . When a person experiences issues with their balance , they may experience dizziness , lightheadedness and feel as if a room is spinning . Each of those factors can increase the risk for potentially harmful falls .
Seniors may not have the market cornered on balance issues , but the National Institute on Aging notes that many older adults experience such problems . The NIA also notes that people are more likely to have balance problems as they grow older . A number of variables can contribute to balance problems , including medications , health conditions like heart disease , vision problems and alcohol consumption . The
NIA notes that the remedy to balance issues may depend on what ’ s causing them , though some exercises that require individuals to move their heads and bodies in a certain way can help treat some balance disorders . A physical therapist or another professional with an understanding of the relationship between balance and various systems in the body also may be able to help .
When a specific cause , such as hypertension or low blood pressure , is identified , health care teams may be able to recommend various approaches to help seniors get their balance back .
HYPERTENSION
A 2015 study published in The Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that high blood pressure can negatively affect balance . The study found that this occurs because hypertension damages the large arteries and decreases microcirculation in specific functional areas , ultimately resulting in impairment that reduces a person ’ s ability to maintain a stable posture . Taking steps to address hypertension , such as eating less sodium , maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly , may also lead to a reduction in balance problems related to the condition .
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
Low blood pressure also can contribute to balance problems . According to the American Geriatrics Society , sudden low blood pressure can manifest when sitting up and standing up . When it does , a person may experience dizziness or lightheadedness , which may last just a few seconds or several minutes . The AGS notes that dizziness related to low blood pressure also may appear within one to three minutes of sitting up or standing up , which means individuals may be vulnerable to falls , even when they initially feel fine after sitting up or standing up . The NIA reports that individuals with low blood pressure can manage the issue by drinking plenty of fluids , including water and avoiding alcohol . In addition , pay careful attention to posture and movements and make a concerted effort to stand up slowly .
Balance issues are often linked to aging , but that does not mean seniors are helpless against symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness that are linked to problems with balance . Working with a healthcare team and identifying potential causes of balance issues can help seniors improve their health outcomes .
32