Common mistakes that can worsen balance in older adults
Falls aren’t an inevitable part of aging. Balance can be affected by medications, vision, muscle weakness, inner-ear problems, neurological conditions, and the home environment.
Common mistakes include:
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Being inactive — avoiding movement can lead to weaker leg and core muscles, which can further reduce stability.
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Skipping balance and strength exercises — activities such as appropriately supervised strength training, Tai Chi, and balance exercises can help.
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Wearing unsafe footwear — loose slippers, high heels, or shoes with poor grip can increase fall risk.
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Getting up too quickly — standing suddenly can cause light-headedness from a drop in blood pressure.
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Ignoring vision changes — untreated vision problems can make obstacles and changes in terrain harder to detect.
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Taking medications without reviewing them — some medicines can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or low blood pressure. A pharmacist or doctor can review the medication list.
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Leaving trip hazards around the home — loose rugs, electrical cords, clutter, and poor lighting are common hazards.
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Using an assistive device incorrectly — canes and walkers should be properly fitted and used as instructed.
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Ignoring dizziness or repeated falls — these can sometimes indicate an underlying medical problem and deserve evaluation.
A useful prevention step
A healthcare professional can assess gait, balance, blood pressure, vision, medications, muscle strength, and the home environment and recommend targeted changes.
If someone develops sudden loss of balance along with weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, severe headache, or vision loss, seek emergency medical attention because these can be signs of a stroke.
