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Balance Alert: Have You Noticed These Subtle Balance Changes?

By Claudine Aherne September 25, 2023 Health and Fitness

Have you recently found yourself thinking more about your balance? Have you noticed changes in your balance? Are you feeling unsteady or wobbly in certain places or situations?

It’s easy to overlook subtle changes, especially when life keeps us busy.

But these small shifts can be early indicators of changes in your balance. Ignoring them means missing out on the chance to take proactive steps.

In this article, we’ll explore:

  • The early signs that your balance might be shifting.
  • Why it’s crucial not to ignore these changes.
  • Three actionable steps you can take today if you’ve noticed changes in your balance.

The Importance of Early Awareness: Catch It Before It Catches You

Recognizing changes early on – whether in balance or other aspects of health – gives us the power to act.

The sooner we’re aware, the quicker we can identify the root causes and take steps to mitigate any impact on our daily lives.

Subtle Signs You Can’t Afford to Ignore: Your Balance Checklist

So, what should you be on the lookout for?

Here are some signs that your balance may be changing:

Mindfulness on Uneven Ground

Do you find yourself paying extra attention when walking on uneven surfaces, e.g. in the park, on a garden path or cobblestones?

Caution on Stairs and Steps

Are you taking longer than usual when navigating stairs or stepping off public transport?

Holding Back During Playtime

Do you feel reluctant to engage in quick movements while playing with your grandchildren? Are you nervous about playing catch or frisbee in the park?

Loss of Confidence in Social Situations

Does your balance affect your enjoyment of parties or other social events? Do you avoid places with steps or stairs, like theatres or galleries?

Feeling the Slump

Are you looking down more often when you walk? Do you feel you’re not standing as upright as you’d like? Changes in your posture can be a telltale sign of balance issues.

Multi-tasking Challenges

Do you find it harder to concentrate on more than one task at a time (where one of the tasks involves your balance, e.g. walking, standing, or navigating steps or stairs)? Balance difficulties can affect your ability to multi-task effectively.

From Recognition to Empowerment: Your Next Steps

If any of these signs resonate with you, it’s time to take action.

Don’t feel overwhelmed (although this is understandable). Instead, focus on being proactive and taking steps to address your challenges.

First, share your concerns with your friends and family – the more we share, the more support we receive.

Secondly, consider consulting your healthcare provider. Here’s an article to help you decide if you should see your doctor about your balance concerns.

Third, if you are ready to take control, start with targeted balance exercises (a few minutes a day is enough).

The Balance Blueprint from Vida Wellness is a FREE resource that can help you get started. Click Here To Get Your Five Tips To Start Improving Your Balance Today.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

I hope you’ve found this article helpful. Have you noticed any of these signs? What steps have you taken? We’d love to hear from you. Join the conversation below!

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Angie

I retired 5 months ago. One of my goals was to get myself in better shape. Fortunately, I live in a city that the community center for people over 50, offers free classes. I started taking a once a week “balance” class. I must say, it is helping. I also use AARP virtual community for free classes/sessions. youtube also provides free balance classes/exercises. My goal: better balance! Good luck all!

Lin

I don’t care for articles on Sixty And Me that are basically an ad for a certain program and this article is one of those. My balance issue involves down escalators. In the past few years, I have been unable to take them down due to a concern that I will lose my balance when getting on. I can easily take escalators up but not down. Anyone else have that issue?

Claudine

Hi Lin,
Please accept my apologies. We should have clarified that the Balance Blueprint is a free resource to help people who want to get started with balance exercises.
To your point about getting on the down escalator – you’re definitely not the only one.
I’ve worked with many people who find going down, whether stairs, steps, kerbs or getting onto escalators, much more challenging than going up.
As you improve your balance, this should get easier (there are also elements of strength, mobility and stability involved in these downward stepping movements – we cover all of these in our Strong & Steady on the Stairs programme).
I’m sorry if you didn’t find the information in the article helpful and that we weren’t clear about the link at the end.
Wishing you all the best on your balance journey and I hope you regain confidence for those escalators.
Claudine

Terri

Yes, I do, but in large part it’s due to my progressive lenses, they create a blur when I try to go down stairs or an escalator. So that combined with balance issues makes me unable to use down escalators.

Vanya Drumchiyska

Hi Lin and thank you for commenting.
Actually, this is the introductory article in a series on balance. It does not advertise anything, though the author does offer a FREE resource on the topic at hand.
Have a lovely day!

Lisa N.

The link to Vida Wellness is basically an advert for “membership” to their program (i.e., payment). There are free videos on the internet for balance exercises.

Claudine

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your comment. Please accept my apologies, we should have given a little more information about the Balance Blueprint in the article.

What we wrote wasn’t clear – it’s a free resource we have put together for people who want to get started doing balance exercises. It’s very detailed and covers a variety of factors to ensure you’re set up for success from the start, whether you use our videos or any others you find online.

We’ve learned these tips from helping hundreds of people improve their balance over the years, and we wanted to share them to help more people.

We also have a selection of free exercise videos on our website and YouTube channel.

Again, apologies for not being clear, and I’m sorry if you didn’t find the article valuable.

Wishing you all the best with improving your balance,
Claudine

Vanya Drumchiyska

Hi Lisa and thank you for commenting. Actually, the link is to a free resource anyone can use. Have a lovely day!

The Author

Over the last 16 years, Claudine has helped hundreds of people to improve their balance, feel stronger and move more easily. That's why her in-person classes and online programmes have been featured globally, including on BBC Radio 4. Members of her online exercise studio enjoy an extensive library of easy-to-follow videos, as well as advice and support. Try some taster videos from the Vida Wellness Studio.

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