Dizziness and the Elderly

As was mentioned before, dizziness is an extremely common problem among those older than 65. In this population, it is a combination of things that make them unsteady. As we age, the receptors that we rely on all begin to slowly become less responsive. This includes the pressure receptors in our feet, our muscle tone and muscle tension receptors, our visual acuity, the response from our inner ears, and even the speed with which the brain is able to process the data. This in turn causes a loss of overall balance in the elderly population. Although it is typically mild, if it leads to a fall, the consequences can be drastic. Self-awareness and use of a walking stick are typically all that is required. Holding a walking stick gives one extra input to the brain, which helps it find its position in space. It also gives a little stability if needed.