Centre for Policy on Ageing



Epidemiology of balance and dizziness in a national population — findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Author(s)	Kara N Stevens, Iain A Lang, Jack M Guralnik
Journal title	Age and Ageing, vol 37, no 3, May 2008
Pages	pp 300-305
Source	http://www.ageing.oupjournals.org
Keywords	Fainting ; Mobility ; Longitudinal surveys ; England.
Annotation	Impaired balance and dizziness are common in older people, but their association with socio-economic and behavioural factors has not been established. Using data from a large-scale population-based study, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), the authors find a marked socio-economic gradient in the prevalence of these problems. Of 2925 participants aged 65+, there were 619 (21.5%) with impaired balance and 375 (11.1%) reported dizziness. Impaired balance was statistically associated with age, diabetes, arthritis, eyesight and grip strength. The wealthiest 20% were less likely to have impaired balance than the poorest 20%. Dizziness problems were not associated with age, gender or health, but were significantly associated with an abnormal heart rhythm, hearing, eyesight and grip strength. Differences in the epidemiologies of balance and dizziness may necessitate different approaches to intervention and to falls prevention. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-080618215 A
Classmark	CTF: C4: 3J: 82
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.