You catch your foot on the rug. You stumble on the sidewalk. Maybe it happens more than it used to. It’s easy to chalk it up to aging and leave it at that.
But there may be more to the story. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 million older adults visit the emergency room every year because of a trip or fall. That’s a big number and not one we have to just accept.
Physiotherapist Thea Johansen has noted that balance problems can make older adults feel limited in everyday activities: walking, shopping, spending time with family. That kind of worry takes a toll on your peace of mind, too.
The Vitamin Worth Checking First
Here’s something worth knowing: if you’ve been tripping more often, it may be connected to your vitamin B12 levels.
Dr. Nakeisha Rodgers, MD, a dual board internist, geriatrician, and author of Secrets of Sassy, Savvy Seniors, has told Parade that B12 deficiencies are common in people over 50, and especially in women.
Low B12 can cause more than fatigue and memory fog. It can affect your balance and coordination, too. As Dr. Rodgers explained, vitamin B12 is important for brain cell communication and cells simply need it to function.
Before you grab a supplement off the shelf, the smarter move is to call your doctor and ask for a blood test. If your levels are low, your doctor can recommend the right next step, whether that’s a supplement or eating more B12-rich foods.
Foods that are good sources of vitamin B12 include:
- Fish
- Meat
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Dairy products
Other Nutrients Worth Asking About
B12 is not the only nutrient that tends to run low as we get older. Dr. Rodgers also points to vitamin D as one to watch, like B12, a vitamin D deficiency can lead to more frequent falls. Vitamin D also plays a role in immune health and cognitive function.
Calcium is another one to keep tabs on, since bone density tends to decline with age. And fiber matters too; it keeps your digestive system running smoothly and plays a role in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Many doctors prefer a food-first approach to filling these nutritional gaps rather than jumping straight to supplements. The best thing you can do is bring it up at your next appointment and figure out a plan together.
One more thing worth knowing: regular walking has also been shown to help with fall prevention. One study found it can reduce your risk of falling by 23 percent. So a good pair of shoes and a simple blood test might be two of the best investments you make this year.
