Behavioral Factors and Chronic Diseases Associated with Balance in Aging

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical health and behavioral lifestyle factors, including sleep quality, physical activity, and nutritional status and balance, in older adults. Cross-sectional study with 167 individuals aged ≥ 60 years. Participants completed sociodemographic questionnaires and underwent clinical evaluations. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, muscle strength with handgrip dynamometry, and nutritional status with anthropometric measures. The results indicated that poorer sleep quality (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79–0.98; p = .024) and diabetes (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.07–0.52; p = .001) were associated with lower odds of adequate balance. Physical activity (OR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.18–10.04; p = .024) increased the likelihood of proper balance. Individuals aged 80 years and older were less likely to maintain balance (OR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02–0.34; p = .001). The results show that clinical and behavioral factors influence balance in older adults poor sleep quality and the presence of diabetes increase the risk of balance impairment, creating a cycle of functional disability, while physical activity acts as a protective factor, interrupting this negative cycle.