A host of explanations may point to problems with mobility and balance, doctors say. And that should be good news to older people who have become so afraid of taking a bad fall that their sense of independence is threatened. We previously had not looked into falls because we thought perhaps this is just a part of age. It's not a part of aging. Balance disorders and falls are not often recognized as an important problem because a number of us younger people fall as well.
Falls are serious stuff for older people.
One-third of people age 65 and older fall every year, sometimes causing fractured or broken bones. One-half of those over age 80 fall. Alexander studies and treats balance disorders, which may have a variety of causes and typically become apparent with a fall. Next comes a plan for physical therapy, particularly a process known as balance training. For example, people are taught to focus on a cracked or uneven sidewalk, giving it their full attention and not being distracted while walking.