Why do the elderly people develop imbalance?
Normal balance depends on a normal vestibular system, normal vision, normal tracking, normal sensation, and proprioception in the lower extremities. People with impairments in each of these areas have multi-sensory imbalance. Usually, vision, visual tracking, and sensation in the feet become impaired with age. When coupled with any vestibular disorders or with a gradual age-related decline in vestibular function, multi-sensory imbalance occurs. Affected people usually feel dizzy only when ambulating and their dizziness is relieved when using a grocery store cart, for example.
