People are more likely to have problems with
balance as they get older. But age is not the only reason these
problems occur; there are other causes, too. In some cases, you
can help reduce your risk for certain balance problems.
Have you ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or as if the room were
spinning around you? These can be very troublesome sensations. If
the feeling happens often, it could be a sign of a balance
problem. Balance problems are among the most common reasons that
older adults seek help from a doctor.
Some balance disorders are caused by problems in the inner ear.
Others may involve another part of the body, such as the brain or
the heart. Aging, infections, head injury, certain medicines, or
problems with blood circulation may result in a balance problem.
The part of the inner ear that is responsible for balance is the
labyrinth. When the labyrinth becomes infected or swollen, often
through an ear infection such as otitis media, it can cause
dizziness and loss of balance. This condition is called
labyrinthitis.
Upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, as well
as stress, fatigue, allergies, smoking, or alcohol use, also can
increase the risk for labyrinthitis.
Balance problems can also result from taking
certain medications. For example, some medicines, such as those
that help lower blood pressure, can make a person feel dizzy.
Ototoxic drugs are medicines that damage the inner ear.
Sometimes the damage lasts only as long as you take the drug;
other times it is permanent. Some antibiotics are ototoxic. If
your medicine is ototoxic, you may feel off balance. Check with
your doctor if you notice a problem while taking a medication.
Diseases of the circulatory system, such as stroke, also can
cause dizziness and other balance problems. Smoking, high blood
pressure, diabetes, and heart disease increase the risk of
stroke. Low blood pressure also can cause dizziness to occur.
Your diet and lifestyle can help you manage certain
balance-related problems. For example, Ménière's disease, which
causes vertigo and other balance and hearing problems, is linked
to a change in the volume of fluid in the inner ear.
By eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and steering clear of
caffeine and alcohol, you can make its symptoms less severe.
Balance problems due to high blood pressure can be managed by
eating less sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, and
exercising.
The ear infection otitis media is most common in children, but
adults can get it too. You can help prevent otitis media by
washing your hands frequently. Also, get a flu shot every year
to stave off respiratory infections. If you still get an ear
infection, see a doctor immediately before it becomes more
serious.
Do you take medication? If so, ask your doctor if your medicine
is ototoxic, or damaging to the ear. Ask if other drugs can be
used instead. If not, ask if the dose can be safely reduced.
Sometimes it cannot. However, your doctor will help you get the
medicine you need while trying to reduce unwanted side effects.
Each year, over 30% of adults ages 65 and over;
suffer from fall-related injuries. Fall Injury
Prevention for Older Adults will help you
understand the causes of falling and provides
tips for reducing the risk of falls. This guide
will help make a difference today in the safety
and well-being of yourself and those you love.
This book is full of pertinent information, is
easy to read, and is divided into useful
sections so you can look up what you need to
know as a family caregiver to help prevent
falls. It’s a resource everyone who is concerned
about an older person’s safety should take the
time to read.
Fall Prevention: Stay On Your Own Two Feet! tells you
how to identify and reduce your fall risk factors.
Topics covered include; fear of falling, posture,
balance, strength, exercise, vision, medications,
footwear, clothing, doctor relationship, pets. Easy to
follow illustrations, simple lists, and proactive
exercise suggestions make this guide a one stop shop
for elders and caregivers.
Most of us assume that age leads to frailty, and
frailty leads to falls that it's normal, inevitable,
and there's nothing we can do to stop it. Incorrect,
say the experts. Now there is Fall Prevention: Stay On
Your Own Two Feet! to tell us how. Geared to older
people and their families, rather than professionals
in the health-care field, it is highly readable with
large print and no medical jargon, amply illustrated
and easy to understand. --Liz Taylor, Columnist
Seattle Times, Growing Older
How To Prevent Falls is
excellent. It is well written and professionally
illustrated. It contains loads of information and easy
to do exercises that really do make a difference. They
are fun, too! Another nice feature is that it is easy
for seniors to read because the type is not too small
and the page layouts are very clear. This book makes a
great gift for older people. It provides simple and
easy to understand exercises, progressing from very
easy to moderately easy. Good for the frail elderly to
the moderately fit or at-risk senior. Simple drawings
demonstrate the activities.
