Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms in the elderly, and the feeling of spinning when dizzy is not just a mild dizziness. It is an experience that makes the elderly feel completely disoriented, everything around them seems to be spinning, while they themselves cannot determine the exact direction.
Each time they try to stand up or turn their head, the feeling of spinning increases. It is often accompanied by nausea, cold sweat, a feeling of weakness and loss of control. This not only causes physical discomfort but also greatly affects the spirit.
Many elderly people become anxious, afraid, and even avoid exercise just because they are afraid of a recurrence of dizziness. Gradually, this limited mobility leads to a decline in overall health and increases the risk of falls, one of the leading causes of serious injury in the elderly.
Why are the elderly prone to dizziness and feeling dizzy?
Here are the 5 most common causes:
1. Declining vestibular function with age
One of the most common causes of dizziness in older adults is a decline in the function of the vestibular system, an important part located deep in the inner ear. The vestibular system is responsible for sensing movement and helping the body maintain balance when changing positions. Over time, the microscopic structures in the vestibular system, especially the sensory hair cells, begin to age and gradually lose sensitivity. When movement signals are no longer transmitted accurately, the patient can easily feel things tilting or rotating, even when the body is completely still.
2. Declining brain signal processing ability
In addition to the aging of the inner ear, the brain (especially the areas responsible for coordinating balance) also gradually weakens with age. The process of transmitting and processing signals between the ears, eyes and sensory organs in the limbs becomes slow and uncoordinated. This makes the brain unable to respond promptly to small changes in posture, leading to a feeling of loss of control, disorientation and dizziness, especially when changing posture quickly such as standing up suddenly or turning the head quickly.
3. Impact of underlying diseases
Most older people have at least one chronic underlying disease, and many of them directly affect the ability to maintain balance. High blood pressure, diabetes, cervical spondylosis or cerebral circulatory disorders can all reduce blood flow to the brain, an extremely important factor in maintaining a sense of stability. When the brain does not receive enough blood and oxygen, the patient is likely to feel dizzy, unsteady or dizzy regardless of the position. In addition, cervical spondylosis can also compress blood vessels and nerves in the neck, causing further disruption of signals from the body to the brain.
4. Side effects of medication
Many medications commonly prescribed to the elderly, such as cardiovascular drugs, diuretics, sedatives, or drugs used to treat mental disorders, can cause side effects such as dizziness or loss of balance. These drugs affect the central nervous system or change blood pressure, causing a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness. In the elderly, the ability to adapt to these sudden changes is often poorer, making side effects more severe and longer lasting than in younger people.
5. Effects of daily living factors
Some very simple factors in daily life can also trigger severe dizziness in the elderly. Dehydration due to drinking little water during the day, prolonged lack of sleep, or standing up too quickly after lying down for a long time can all cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, preventing blood from reaching the brain in time. The result is a feeling of dizziness, blurred vision, and everything around you seems to be spinning clearly. These seemingly small things are actually very common causes that are easily overlooked.
How to effectively control dizziness
The most effective way is proactive prevention. For older adults, this starts with changing simple habits in daily life.
Including:
- Get up slowly: When you wake up in the morning, do not jump out of bed immediately. Turn to lie on your side, sit up slowly, breathe lightly for a while before putting your feet on the ground. Avoid sudden bending movements or turning your head too quickly. When walking around the house, you should use slippers with non-slip soles and keep the floor dry and clean.
- Nutrition and good sleep: Older adults should eat a nutritious diet, drink enough water every day and limit salt if they have Meniere’s disease. Avoid fasting, especially breakfast, because this can easily lead to hypoglycemia and dizziness. Older adults should try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, which will help the brain rest and recover better and reduce the risk of dizziness the next day.
Exercise: Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga for the elderly or vestibular rehabilitation exercises will help the body adapt better to changes in posture and movement. At the same time, deep breathing and relaxation exercises also help control stress, a factor that contributes to worsening dizziness symptoms in the elderly.
