Poor 'Balance' How to deal with?

Amanda76

Amanda76

Member
Location
Eastern US
Hello:
As age, my Balance is not like to be used to be.

In my younger age, ... even one to two years age. my balance is in normal range.

Now, I'm afraid to climb any step in my fear of 'fall.' 'Fall' is one of major issues once getting old.

Anyone has this issue? If so, how to deal with? 'Cane' or 'Walker' is the best choice to deal with?
Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
 

I have Grade II Spondylolisthesis. I use a cane.

Spondylolisthesis happens when a vertebra slips out of place in your spine and presses on the vertebra below it.

I do not need a walker, but even if I did, I would not use a walker. My lifestyle involves being outside a lot and caring for my horses. A walker in that environment would really be asking for a lot of trouble.

I have a very sturdy hand railing on the landing steps coming from the garage into the house. My house is one floor with attic storage. I haven’t been up in the attic for years, as I also have a serious case of vertigo from two old concussions. If I had to go up there, I would probably go up on my hands and knees while hanging onto the handrailing. For sure, I would come down those stairs, sitting down and not risk trying to walk down them in a normal fashion.
 
First step is asking your Dr if there are any medical issues contributing to your individual and specific balance problem. Ears, etc.
Including any meds you take that might, or eyeglasses that might effect balance.

Next, immediate step is to examine your home environment for every falling or tripping hazard. And either remove or change every one.
Make the stairs and bathroom less dangerous.

Then add things like a grab bars and/or a handle next to stairs, etc

Next is helpful to get any input that might be available to you from an O.T. or a P.T.!


Yes, a cane can possibly give a little more information for your brain and body.

Though it's best if you find some professional to show you the best ways for you to use one, if that is needed.
 
Hi Amanda....yes falls are a biggie for me, I tend to lose my
balance quite often....I do keep a cane, and also a walker, but
what happens is those are not with me when I take a tumble....I
do have the emergency call button on my wrist, and have used
it fairly often to summon Fire dp't to assist in my recovery...
I've been lucky to not suffer any injuries in my trip-ups.....don
 
My balance has been off for years, but, I lost the hearing in my right ear and partially in my left ear. My doctor attributed my poor balance to that.

As time went on, and I required certain medications, I found out that this also contributed to my frequent falls. So, I use a walker. I tried a cane, but I simply cannot negotiate walking with a can. Cannot get co-ordinated with it at all.
 
I have issues with balance as well. Especially since I now have had both hips replaced. I use a walker for mobility around my apartment and building. I use one of those mobility scooters when shopping. I can free walk a few steps...but not much any more. Needing something to hand onto.
I have fallen a few times, not fun. I went to physical therapy and it did help
 
outlander said:
Lack of balance is often caused by decreased strength, flexibility and poor coordination from lack of physical activity.

There are some videos that show simple exercises using a chair that can greatly improve balance, range of motion and strength.

They are designed for seniors and can be done even with minor mobility issues.
Click to expand...
💯
Doing chair based exercise is beneficial for strengthening muscles and sharpening brain-body coordination. Chair based classes are available in-person at gyms and community centers, and of course Youtube literally has trillions of very well presented chair exercise sessions.

Silver Sneakers has many free Youtube videos that demonstrate chair based exercises designed for improving balance:

 
After falling down three times in a period of two weeks, I started using a hiking pole last year when I walk. I haven't fallen down since on a walk. If I'm going somewhere that has uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, a lot of things I have to step down from, etc., I take my folding cane. If I needed it, it's there. If not, I just fold it up and put it in my bag.
 
I was in the hospital for 2 days in October. I lost 17 pounds in 8 days and knew I was getting critically dehydrated despite my best efforts.

It took me 6 weeks to fully gain that weight back.
My running has been a challenge, I can't seem to get back my former ability. My leg work out has been difficult and I struggle to regain the same strength.

And yes, I have noticed a preceptible decline in balance. Nothing to worry about, I can still sprint and take stairs two at a time. Like before I still hop, skip, walk backwards, run sideways, hop down steps, sometimes doing a 180 or 360 off a curb or small step down.

But the small physical decline has affected my balance a little, it's concerning. For the first time in my life I have had to face the reality that age will slow you down :(

But I'm stubborn, I guess I'll just have to put more effort into it ;)
 
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