Balance and walking

The ability to maintain balance is essential for carrying out everyday activities, including walking, getting dressed, transferring in and out of a chair and putting washing into the washing machine.

What is balance?

There are many different meanings for the term balance. Frequently when we speak about balance we mean the distribution of weight allowing someone to remain upright and steady.

The ability to maintain balance relies on several important systems:

• sensory system: detects information about where the body is in relation to the surroundings, and includes your sense of touch, vision and inner ear motion sensors
• brain: processes this information
• muscles and joints: carries out the necessary movements to maintain balance, as directed by the brain

We require strength, flexibility and endurance to maintain balance and prevent falls What could cause balance and walking problems? As you get older the probability of balance problems increases, as your body is exposed to different disease processes and injuries over time. Additionally, the natural ageing process causes our bodies to react more slowly to changes in body position and surroundings, meaning that we could be slower to correct our balance.

Some examples of factors that can increase the probability of balance and walking issues include:

• poor eyesight, not wearing glasses or eye conditions
• joint stiffness
• inner ear infection, inner ear conditions, hearing
• muscle weakness
• poor posture
• some medications
• alcohol
• neurological diseases or injuries, for example stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• sensation issues

Walking aids

A mobility aid could help you if you have problems getting around and discussing this with your health professional may be beneficial.

It is important that your walking aid is the correct height for you, if you are unsure ask your health professional.

All walking aids have a rubber end called a “ferrule” which prevents it from slipping. Ferrules can wear out so they need to be checked regularly, can your family or friend check them?

Wheeled Zimmer frames do give more support than a walking stick, are more stable, and can help increase confidence. However wheeled Zimmer frames are not suitable for outdoors.

Outdoor walkers are also available to assist outdoor mobility, speak to your health professional if you have any questions.

What can I do to help myself?

• Exercise can help to improve muscle strength, increase joint flexibility and improve your balance.
• Moving little and often helps reduce stiffness.
• The use of a walking aid may also help maintain your balance and improve your safety.
• Get regular hearing and eye tests.
• Attend medical appointments for ongoing advice as appropriate. Your own GP should assist in completing a medication review. However, you can also discuss ongoing concerns with your pharmacist.

Page last reviewed: August 04, 2025
Next review due: August 04, 2026