Sure footing

[old_cold]

Originally Posted by charlygal

So it is a vision issue?

That maybe will be able to be answered after having an exam.
One thing was funny.
I had a couple of drinks before dinner last night and it didn't bother me as much.
That could be chalked off as just stupidity and being more careless ....or the need to drink more often?

[LivingDeadGirl]

After having a good physical, eye exam, etc, consider this: maybe it is a bit of fear of old age, falling, and that sort of thing. No doubt, it is depressing and rather scary to experience aging and recognizing you've lost strength, agility and quick reflexes. Remember, that in old age, our muscle tissue goes away quicker and is much more difficult to build and retain.

So...... have your doc send you a a physical therapist for a couple of sessions, just to give you some good exercises to do at least once a day. Even more. If you can, check with your local senior center - they usually have FREE senior exercise classes.

I am ballet trained and taught my mom ballet foot/ankle/leg/balance exercises many years ago. She can't recall WHO taught her, but she does them every day and now 89 years old, she gets around amazingly well.

Try it. Best wishes.

[jim9251]

My problem is I am clumsy. I've always been clumsy. Now I'm both old AND clumsy.

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by old_cold

Not sure if this should be here in the "old folks" forum or on the Health forum but here's the situation.
Lately, last several months, I have found myself very insecure and hesitant about walking in very dim or almost dark light.
Even though I could see across the room (night light on) that it was totally clear, I still walked very hesitantly to the other room.
Parking lot light was out and I only felt secure by holding someone's arm to get to the car.
An age thing? Eyesight? Psychological?

None of the above.

Your balance is maintained by your vestibular system (ears) working hand-in-hand with other body systems. To quote Wikipedia:

The vestibular system ... is the sensory system that provides ... the sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance. Your eyes, including your peripheral vision, work with the vestibular system to keep you stabilized, as does proprioception (your body's sense of where it is in space).

Degeneration or loss of function in any of these systems can lead to balance deficits.

This is what has happened to me, and quite possibly, to you. I have a balance disorder in my left ear -- the semicircular canal is being impinged on by something or was deformed by something and as of last year I can no longer walk confidently into a dimly-lit or darkened room without fearing I will fall. (I have a profound hearing loss in that ear now, as well, and it is NOT age-related.)

Because I'm aware of what is happening, I concentrate on tightening core muscles, glutes, etc. to achieve greater stability. Or I just turn the light on.

ETA: I do balance exercises every day and it does seem to help a little. I stand on one leg, knee slightly bent, lift the other foot a little and press it against my ankle. Do this somewhere where you can grab support if you need it. Watch the clock and try for longer periods of balancing each time. It helps to engage the glute (buttock muscle) of your standing leg. Also helps to pull in your tummy towards your spine.

[sfcambridge]

I would definitely check in with your primary care doctor for a good yearly physical, regardless, and mention your symptoms. Good luck!

[cebuan]

The most important thing to learn in old age is patience. It will take you longer to do things and get there. Get used to it, take your time.