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Quincy
- As we age, some of our body parts, particularly those that
involve balance, do not function as well. The structure in
the inner ear deteriorates and the mechanisms that control
blood pressure become less responsive to changes in the
body’s need for blood. As a result, blood pressure may fall
when a person stands, causing a person to feel faint.
Usually, dizziness does not result from age-related changes
alone. It’s more likely to occur if a person has a disorder
or takes a drug that contributes to dizziness.
Older people may fear being abandoned just when they are
also losing their independence. Depression may cause apathy
and a feeling of disassociation from the world. People who
are depressed often lose interest in many activities.
Inactivity, regardless of cause, can accelerate osteoporosis
and muscle weakness from disuse. Then, people may feel weak,
unsteady, faint and anxious when attempting to walk, fearing
falls and hip fracture.
A trip I never planned, or booked months in advance,
happened in a flash. It took place without warning, just as
I was awakening from a nap.
Maybe I tried to get into a sitting position too fast, but
all of a sudden, my head and body were spinning out of
control with no way to stop.
I felt I was flying out into space. Instantly, my hands
tried to grab something to hold me down. The spinning lasted
a few seconds, but I will never forget the sensation.
The first thought that came to mind was vertigo. In my
subsequent physical checkup, I related my experience to my
doctor and was surprised when he told me that it was quite
common and that he had experience vertigo himself.
Since then, I have not had the same occurrence of flying out
of this world, nor do I wish to take that trip again.
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