Balance problems are a common reason that mature elders seek help from a physician. Disturbances usually cause these to the inner ear. Vertigo, the sensation that you or the objects about you are spinning, trends as a common symptom.
Causes Of Balance Problems
People are more likely to develop problems with balancing as they grow older. Still, age is not the sole reason these problems happen. You may help lower your risks for specific balance issues in certain situations.
Inner Ear
Problems from the inner ear trigger balance disorders. Labyrinthitis occurs when the maze is bloated or infected, followed by imbalanced vertigo. Upper respiratory infections, viral infections, or bacterial infections may cause labyrinthitis.
Circulatory System
Several circulatory system diseases, like stroke, may cause dizziness or more balance issues. Low blood pressure may additionally cause dizziness. Head injury or other medicines can also cause balance issues.
Medication
Consult your physician when you observe a problem upon consuming the medication. Ask if alternate medicines might be taken in place. Supposing not, request the dosage to be lowered. Your physician may assist you in obtaining the medication you require.
Health Disorders
Balance disorders might be symptoms of health issues, like a stroke, ear infection, or multiple sclerosis. In some instances, you may actively treat a balance problem by getting medical treatment for the disease that is causing the balance problems.
Exercises For Balance
Practicing a few gentle at-home exercises regularly can help seniors enhance their strength, balance, and coordination and decrease their fall risk. Caregivers and seniors can perform these moves together to safeguard mobility and prevent accidents.
Tightrope Walk
This exercise involves holding your arms straight out from your sides, parallel to the floor. Walk in a straight line, pausing for one or two seconds each time. Take between 15 and 20 steps. Look at a fixed spot in front of you.
Rock the Boat
For this exercise, begin by placing your feet hip-width apart. Make sure each foot feels pressing into the ground with the same force. This will ensure that your weight is evenly distributed across both legs. With your shoulders back and head level, slowly transfer your weight to one side, lifting the opposite foot off the ground a few inches. Hold your leg up for as long as possible, but no longer than 30 seconds. Then, slowly transfer your weight back onto both feet and repeat the process on the opposite side. Aim to repeat this process five times on each side initially and work up to more repetitions as balance and strength improve.
Balancing Exercises
Starting with these simple exercises can provide an excellent foundation for other strength- and balance-building fitness routines like Tai Chi, gentle yoga, water aerobics, and much more. If a formal fitness program isn’t a good fit, consider something like the Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) Program to prevent falls. The Life Program incorporates strength and balance exercises like the above into everyday activities.
