Key result
Imbalance in adults aged 55 and older was associated with female sex, age ≥85, lower education, hypertension, stroke, cataracts, reduced lower-body strength, and poor short-term memory.
Cross-Sectional (n=2,018)
No
Imbalance in older adults is associated with multiple demographic and clinical factors, highlighting it as a potential major health problem in aging populations.
May inform risk stratification in older adults; cross-sectional data leave causality and intervention effects open.
Difficulties with balance are associated with limitations in activities of daily living. There is little information, however, about the epidemiology of imbalance. Imbalance, defined as the inability to maintain a full-tandem stand for 10 seconds, was assessed as part of an interview with 2,018 residents of Marin County, California, age 55 and older. The likelihood of imbalance was greater in women, those aged 85 and older, and those with less than 12 years of education. It was also associated with specific chronic conditions, including a history of hypertension, stroke, or cataracts. Even after adjusting for these conditions, imbalance was associated with reduced lower-body strength as well as poor short-term memory, hip pain, vision problems, abstention from alcohol, and current cigarette smoking. With those aged 85 and older representing the fastest growing age group in developed nations, imbalance may become a major health problem.
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Satariano et al. (1996) conducted a cross-sectional in Imbalance (n=2,018). Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors was evaluated on Imbalance (inability to maintain a full-tandem stand for 10 seconds). Imbalance in adults aged 55 and older was associated with female sex, age ≥85, lower education, hypertension, stroke, cataracts, reduced lower-body strength, and poor short-term memory.
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