We all have experienced dizziness at some point or the other. It could stem from a head-rush, fasting, low glucose level, etc. And as you age, you begin to feel this dizzy sensation more frequently. Over 25% of elderly people report that they experience unsteadiness and imbalance frequently. With age, the inner ears and neck begin to degenerate, which is among the significant causes of dizziness in elderly people. With an increased risk of dizziness comes a higher risk of falling. This is because the postural muscles stop functioning, which leads to the loss of balance.
It is essential to understand the nature and causes of dizziness in elderly people. It helps you decide the best activities for old parents as you know which ones might be the safest and not expose them to the dangers of falling.
What is Dizziness?
Dizziness is a range of sensations like head spins, feeling a little nauseous, feeling suddenly lightheaded or faint, losing your balance, etc. Dizziness happens in episodes varying in frequency. If your old parents show signs of frequent dizziness, it is crucial to watch them. Try not to leave them alone for too long and use door-to-door transportation for doctor’s appointments, trips, etc. Also, they shouldn’t leave home unattended.
- Causes of Dizziness
Several reasons cause dizziness in older people. Detecting the cause could be a step towards addressing it. Dizziness could also be an alarm for some more complicated diseases. For example, it is often considered one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore without further ado, let us brief you about the causes of dizziness in older people.
- Fluctuations in Blood Pressure
With age, the heart loses efficiency in pumping blood through the body, affecting your blood pressure to an extent. However, if blood pressure is the cause of your dizziness, you need not worry much as it doesn’t last for very long.
- Poor Circulation
When your body cannot pump enough blood, the oxygen level in your veins decreases, which means your brain does not get adequate oxygen and hence it begins to feel fuzzy and dizzy.
- Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety and depression are quite common among older people. When a situation triggers your anxiety, you experience a panic attack. Panic attacks are often accompanied by dizziness.
- Neurological Conditions
Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease may also be responsible for dizziness.
- Anemia
The condition of having low iron levels in the blood is called anemia. This condition also can cause dizziness due to low platelets. Anemia also makes you feel weak and look pale.
- Low Blood sugar
When your blood sugar drops suddenly, you will feel dizzy. In that case, it is best to immediately intake glucose and visit your doctor.
- Coping with Dizziness
There are numerous remedies you can try to cope with the problem of dizziness. They are as follows:
- Get a Checkup
If the problem of dizziness persists for some time, it might be a cause for concern. You should immediately visit your doctor for consultation. The doctor will inspect your problem and find out the underlying cause of dizziness.
If you face the problem of dizziness regularly, it is best not to travel by yourself, even to a doctor’s chamber. A safer option would be to look for medical transportation services near me. NEMT services are a reliable authority in medical transportation matters such as these.
- Remain Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the reasons why dizziness usually occurs. Your body loses efficiency if it does not get enough water. This can lead to exhaustion and dizziness, among other problems. So make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
- Find a Standing Support
Dizziness usually strikes when I get up from a resting position. In that sudden movement of getting up, make sure to have some support to lean on. This way, you can avoid the risk of falling from dizziness. Wait for a few moments while the dizziness lasts, and once you are sure it is over, only let go of the standing support.
- Take Time in Moving
Sudden movements often exacerbate dizziness. Whenever you are in a resting position, give your body some time to prepare for the movement. For instance, if you are in a reclining position, do not stand up all at once. First, sit straight for a few seconds and rise to your feet slowly.
Similar Link: Why Should NEMT Services be a Priority for Older People?
Dizziness in older people is thus quite common, and in most cases, it is not a matter of significant concern. All one must do is be careful when walking around and maintain the right amounts of nutrients and minerals in their body. However, if you experience frequent bouts of dizziness, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.