Why Falls Become More Common With Age and How to Prevent Them
Episode Notes:
In this episode of the Family Chiropractic Center podcast, Dr. Hartung tackles one of the most overlooked health risks for older adults: falls. Many people assume that falling is simply an inevitable part of aging, but Dr. Hartung breaks down the real reasons why balance and stability decline over time. From changes in the nervous system to muscle weakness and joint health, he covers the underlying factors that make falls more likely as we get older. More importantly, he shares practical, actionable steps you can take to reduce your risk and stay on your feet. If you or someone you love is concerned about fall prevention, this episode is a must-listen.
Transcript
Hey, welcome back. I’m Doctor Hartung, and you’re listening to the Family Chiropractic Center podcast, coming to you from right here in Robinson Township. Today we’re talking about something that I think is really important, and honestly, it doesn’t get enough attention. We’re talking about falls. Specifically, why they become more common as we get older, and what you can actually do about it.
Now, here’s the thing. A lot of people assume that falling is just... part of getting older. Like it’s inevitable. And I want to push back on that today, because while the risk does go up with age, that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Not even close.
So let me break this down for you. As we age, a few things start to shift in our bodies. First, our balance system gets a little less sharp. You’ve got this incredible network working all the time to keep you upright, your inner ear, your eyes, and the tiny sensors in your muscles and joints. Those sensors are called proprioceptors, and they’re constantly sending signals to your brain about where your body is in space. Over time, that signaling can slow down. Your reaction time changes too. So when you hit a slippery patch or trip on a rug, your body just doesn’t course-correct as fast as it used to.
Here’s what’s interesting, and this is where chiropractic really comes in. The spine plays a huge role in that communication system. When joints in your spine aren’t moving the way they should, it can actually interfere with those proprioceptive signals. It’s like trying to stream a video with a bad connection. The information is getting through, but it’s choppy. Adjusting the spine helps restore that communication, which can genuinely improve your balance and coordination over time. We see this in practice all the time.
The second big factor is muscle strength. As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass. This process actually starts earlier than most people think, around our thirties and forties, and it picks up pace after that. Weaker muscles in the core, the hips, and the legs mean less stability. And less stability means more falls.
Now for the practical stuff, because that’s really why you’re here. There are a few things you can start doing today. First, work on your leg and core strength. You don’t need a gym membership. Simple things like standing up from a chair without using your hands, or doing a slow heel-to-toe walk down a hallway, those kinds of exercises make a real difference. Second, take a look at your home. Throw rugs, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways are some of the most common culprits. Remove what you can. Add some grab bars in the bathroom if needed. These small changes save lives, I mean that. Third, stay hydrated and review your medications with your doctor. Certain medications can cause dizziness or affect your balance more than people realize. That’s a conversation worth having.
And fourth, don’t ignore your spine and nervous system health. Regular chiropractic care keeps your joints moving, supports that proprioceptive communication we talked about, and helps your body respond better to the unexpected moments, like a curb you didn’t see, or a wet floor.
Now, when should you come see us? If you’ve noticed you’re feeling less steady on your feet, if you’ve had a fall recently, or even a close call, that’s your body telling you something. Don’t wait until after a serious injury. Come in and let us take a look at how your spine is functioning, how your posture is holding up, and what we can do to help you feel more confident and stable in your daily life.
Falls are not something you just have to accept. You have more control here than you might think, and we want to help you keep it.
Thank you so much for tuning in today. I really appreciate you spending a few minutes with me. If you have questions, or you’re ready to schedule a visit, reach out to us at Family Chiropractic Center right here in Robinson Township. We are always happy to help. Take care of yourself, stay steady out there, and I’ll talk to you next time.
