Balance is the foundation of functional independence. When older adults experience balance decline and grow prone to falls, they are less able to avoid falls and the decline in health that arises from limited mobility. All too often, older adults who fall are unable to recover to their pre-fall quality of life.
While many factors can impact our balance and lead to an increased risk of falls (such as physical inactivity, vision issues, and other health conditions), the prevalence of these risk factors rises directly with age. Notably, many older adults who do not present any risk factors still experience falls.
The impact of aging on the balance reflex (or the Vestibular-ocular reflex) is the underlying cause of most falls.1,2,3
Balance declines as we age
Balance decline occurs directly with age, as shown in the balance assessment graph below (sit-to-stands). The sit-to-stand assessment is recommended by the CDC for assessing lower body strength and balance. It measures how many times an adult can stand up from a seated position without using their arms within 30 seconds. A below-average score indicates risk for falls.
As shown in the graph above, balance performance decreases categorically with age. This means that nobody is immune to age-related balance decline. It also shows that balance decline tends to accelerate as we grow older - meaning that the older we get, the more our balance declines and the more likely that a fall will occur.
How does balance decline with age?
As we age, balance decline is primarily driven by the deterioration of our balance reflex, also known as the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). This system relies on sensors in our inner ear, nerves, and brain processing to maintain stable vision and balance when we move. Over time, all components of this reflex are subject to age-related changes that hinder the brain's ability to integrate sensory information effectively.
In our 30s and 40s, the decline in balance reflex is often subtle, arising as slight hesitations on uneven ground. As we transition into our 60s and beyond, this change becomes more pronounced, making it increasingly difficult to maintain balance during everyday activities. At this stage, we might experience stumbles, near-falls, and initial falls that can range from non-injurious to injurious.
By the time we reach our 70s and 80s (without intervention), complete loss of the balance reflex is typically fully realized. Activities that were once simple, such as walking down a hallway or getting dressed, can become significant fall risks. This decline highlights the importance of proactive measures to maintain and improve balance as we age.
Fall risk rises with age
Due to the natural decline of the balance reflex, falls prevalence rises directly with age. As proven in the graph below, emergency department (ED) visits due to falls rise as individuals grow older - indicating an increase in fall risk and related medical claims as we age. While older ages bring a greater risk of falls, this graph proves that no age group is immune to falls.
As stated above, experiencing decline in the balance reflex is natural. However, the balance reflex can be re-trained through dual-tasking.
Dual-tasking: How Nymbl re-trains the balance reflex to prevent falls
Dual-tasking is Nymbl’s patented approach to balance training that combines body and brain exercises. By challenging older adults to think and move at the same time, Nymbl is able to retrain the balance reflex. Retraining the balance reflex changes the trajectory of fallers - making high-risk fallers less likely to fall and ensuring lower-risk older adults never enter the high-risk category to begin with.
In our Balance and Aging report, we dive deeper into the trajectory of fallers by comparing the path of a faller to that of a heart failure patient. You’ll also learn why we should consider falls a chronic condition, and how Nymbl’s total population fall solution is best positioned to improve member lives while reducing medical costs.
In a recent report from AARP, it's clear that older adults are not just catching up with technology—they're embracing it. The report reveals a significant shift in attitudes towards technology among individuals ages 50+, signaling a new era of tech-savviness in this demographic.
On the flip side, nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults ages 50+ feel that today’s technology isn’t tailored to their needs, according to the same AARP report.
Key Takeaways Include:
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- Tech Adoption on the Rise: Gone are the days when older adults shied away from technology. Today, they're increasingly recognizing the benefits and convenience that tech tools offer.
- Changing Mindsets: The report sheds light on the evolving attitudes towards technology among older adults, showcasing a growing willingness to embrace new gadgets and integrate them seamlessly into their daily routines.
- Enhancing Life with Tech: From staying connected with loved ones to managing healthcare needs and beyond, technology is viewed as a valuable tool for enhancing various aspects of life for older adults.
- A Shift Towards Tech-Savviness: With older adults becoming more adept at navigating the digital landscape, the findings suggest a promising trend towards greater tech fluency in this age group.
- Opportunity For a More Inclusive Approach: The findings underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to tech, such as product design, support, and education, to better serve older adults.
Nymbl was created specifically as a digital program for older adults.
Drawing from extensive research and collaborating closely with experts in gerontology, physical therapy, and cognitive science, Nymbl designs exercises and activities that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and enjoyment.
Programs are personalized to accommodate varying fitness levels and abilities, with a focus on progressions and adaptive challenges.
By integrating evidence-based approaches, Nymbl empowers older adults to maintain or improve balance and mobility while fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment in their health journey.
Follow us on LinkedIn | Learn more at Nymblscience.com
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