As people age, challenges like balance and walking difficulties tend to increase, posing serious risks for seniors. If not addressed, balance issues can lead to falls and injuries, significantly impacting mobility and independence. Therefore, identifying the causes of imbalance and ways to prevent it is crucial.
Understanding the reasons behind difficulty walking in elderly is vital, as various factors may contribute. For professional support, Samarth Elder Care offers expert assistance to help seniors maintain their health and mobility, empowering them to enjoy a safer and more active future.
Common Causes of Difficulty Walking in the Elderly
Reduced mobility in the elderly is associated with various changes that affect the ageing population and multiple diseases. Several factors contribute to walking difficulties. So, it makes it crucial to recognise the causes of difficulty walking in elderly to address them effectively:
· Muscle Weakness
During ageing, muscle tissue and strength are lost, a condition called sarcopenia. Besides, joints in older people become stiffer due to natural wear and tear. However, this can also happen due to some diseases, like osteoarthritis. These factors greatly limit movement and may be the reason for older people struggling to walk.
· Neurological Conditions
Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis all make it highly challenging to control body movements and balance. So, neurological conditions may cause difficulty walking in older people.
· Poor Vision
We all know the importance of having a good vision for balance. If elderly individuals suffer from poor vision, the risk of stumbles increases. They become unable to negotiate environments confidently and safely, which can hamper their walking movement.
· Chronic Conditions
Disorders like diabetes and arthritis affect the nerves, joints, and muscles, which leads to pain and affects the balance. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is another worthwhile consequence of type-2 diabetes. It can impact the nerves in the feet and legs to feel numbness, making balancing tough.
In any of these cases, professional help is significant for an older adult. This is why Samarth Elder Care provides mobility support and health services. Through this, elderly persons can tackle these challenges as they get the necessary care to continue leading active, healthy lives.
Why do Seniors Lose Balance While Walking?
Stumbling while walking is a typical problem in aged people. Several specific causes can lead to sudden imbalance, making walking a risky endeavour. Some of the reasons for losing balance while walking elderly are listed below:
- Inner Ear Problems: The inner ear is undoubtedly crucial for keeping people upright in daily life. Conditions like vertigo or Meniere’s disease can elicit a dizzy feeling, which can cause an individual to lose balance while walking suddenly.
- Medication Side Effects: Most of the medications given to seniors for high BP, depression, or anxiety lead to dizziness or drowsiness, which are precursors to falls.
- Low Blood Pressure: Low blood pressure causes dizziness when a senior stands up, increasing the likelihood of falls.
- Environmental Factors: Poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or slippery floors at home can make elderly people lose their balance as well.
Taking a cane or walker while walking is crucial for safety to prevent such accidents. Seniors should also have routine check-ups to determine other possible causes of balance problems, such as drug side effects and vestibular disorders.
Benefits of Walking for the Elderly
Balancing problems is increasing in older adults. But, whenever someone faces this, walking more frequently can help. There are multiple benefits of walking for the elderly people. It can outweigh severe risks. Besides that, other benefits are:
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Exercising, such as walking, is beneficial to the heart. It improves heart health and lowers the risks of heart disease or stroke.
- Strengthens Muscles: Walking seems to engage multiple muscular groups, improving strength and flexibility. It counteracts muscle loss and deterioration of mobility.
- Ensures Good Mental Health and Well-being: Walking can have a positive impact on releasing stress, anxiety, or depression. Staying outdoors and talking to others can improve mental health.
With appropriate precautions, seniors can maintain balance effectively. With the right support, they can enjoy all these benefits safely, without risking their well-being.
How to Improve Walking Speed and Balance in Seniors?
The ideal walking speed of an elderly individual is between 0.90 and 1.30 m/s. But if it decreases, they must find a way to get back to that average speed. Sometimes, they cannot do it alone. So, it would help if you took the initiative, as there is a relationship between the walking speed for seniors and their cardiovascular health.
To improve walking speed for seniors safely:
- Start Slowly: Start strolling to develop strength and confidence. As energy and strength increase, the intensity of walking starts to increase.
- Exercise Regularly: Many practical activities, such as balance training and strength exercises, may help senior citizens walk again. They also improve flexibility and boost muscle strength.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can really help anyone who is having trouble with balance. Therapists can incorporate activities that help enhance balance and strength.
Preventing Falls and Improving Balance
In older adults with balance issues, falls are common but should not become a regular occurrence. It’s essential to identify the causes of walking difficulties in elderly individuals and then implement effective strategies to prevent falls. Practical steps to prevent falls include:
- Wearing Sturdy Footwear: One of the best ways to prevent falls is to make them wear sturdy shoes. Sometimes, loose shoes can make them fall easily on slippery surfaces, so it’s better to try more sturdy shoes.
- Install Handrails: In areas such as staircases and bathrooms, handrails provide additional support and ensure ease of balance for older people.
- Declutter the Home: Items like loose rugs, cords, and other unnecessary objects can cause tripping. Remove them and ensure safe walking areas.
- Use Mobility Aids: Mobility aids like canes and walkers are ideal for seniors. They can avoid falls and also build confidence.
- Balance Exercises: Seniors can practice stability by choosing activities such as standing with one leg or walking in a heel-to-toe pattern.
When to Seek Help for Balance Issues?
Any changes in balance—from occasional to constant or worsening—in elderly people should not be dismissed. They should seek medical attention to find out the cause and get proper treatment. For seniors facing issues with balance and mobility, Samarth Elder Care provides all-around care. It has trained care professionals, physiotherapists, and healthcare staff who offer compassionate services to safely continue elderly individuals’ independence.
