We don’t usually think about balance until something feels different. But think about everything your body does when you stand up, walk, turn around, or climb stairs. Staying upright takes information from several parts of your body, all working together.
What Helps You Stay Balanced?
- Your eyes help your brain understand where you are and what is around you.
- Your inner ear senses movement and changes in position.
- Nerves in your feet, muscles, and joints send information about where your body is and how it is moving.
- Your brain combines these signals and tells your muscles how to adjust to keep you upright.
Balance Changes With Age
As we get older, changes in vision, strength, flexibility, sensation, and reaction time can affect balance. The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older have their fall risk checked at least once a year.
A balance assessment can help identify what may be affecting your stability and what you can do about it. Physical and occupational therapists can evaluate how you move and provide exercises and strategies to improve balance, strength, and coordination.
Have concerns about your balance? Talk with your doctor and ask if physical or occupational therapy could help.