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| |  | |  | | | | The information on these pages is intended for general knowledge purposes only. If you have or think you have any of these conditions, you should contact your physician immediately. If you do not have a physician, contact:
Hartford Hospital's Health Referral Services: Phone: 860.545.1888 Email: CLICK HERE | | | |  | |  |
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Common Health Concerns
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Select one of the following:
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Balance Problems
As people grow older, they may have difficulty with their balance. Roughly 9
percent of adults who are 65 and older report having problems with balance.
Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body's
position, whether you are moving or remaining still. An intact sense of balance
helps you
- walk without staggering
- get up from a chair without falling
- climb stairs without tripping
Good balance is important to help you get around, stay independent, and carry
out daily activities. The main cause of balance problems is disturbance of the
inner ear. People feel unsteady, or as if they were moving, spinning, or
floating. Vertigo, the feeling that you or the things around you are spinning,
is also a common symptom. Experts believe that more than 40 percent of Americans
will experience dizziness that is serious enough to require medical assistance.
Balance disorders are one reason older people fall. Falls and fall-related
injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older person's
life. If you fall, it could limit your activities or make it impossible to live
independently. Many people often become more isolated after a fall. According to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults
ages 65 years and older fall each year. Among older adults, falls are the
leading cause of injury deaths.
For more information about balance problems, contact your physician,
or:
On the Web:
National Institute of Health:
www.nihseniorhealth.gov
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