Why We Fall More as We Age: The Brain Science Behind It

What exactly happens in our brains that makes falling more likely as we age?

Is it inevitable, or can we take control of how our body functions as we age? Is it possible the brain can change at any age?

At Next Level Neuro, we ensure that all participants in our Applied Neurology Mentorship Program understand this: the brain’s ability to adapt and improve doesn't decline with age.

Our drills are designed to train the nervous system at any stage of life, reinforcing that the brain can change AT ANY AGE and it happens as fast as you snap your fingers.

Falls are a serious concern for older adults. Over 14 million people aged 65 and above report falling each year, with falls being the leading cause of injury for this age group.

But here’s the good news: understanding how the brain governs the body, and applying specific neurological training, can drastically improve balance and stability at any age.  Imagine what that can do for your marketing and results for the aging population. 

How the Brain Affects Our Risk of Falling 

The root cause of falling often stems from dysfunction in the vestibular system, a small but vital structure in our inner ear that helps us maintain balance and spatial orientation.

It answers a critical question for the brain: “Which way is up?”

As we age, our brain's efficiency in processing these signals can decrease due to factors like stress, trauma, poor posture, or lack of movement.

However, this doesn’t mean it’s a permanent decline. By engaging in applied neurology, we can retrain the brain to process vestibular information more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of falls.

The Role of the Vestibular System in Preventing Falls

The vestibular system’s main job is to help us stay upright by informing the brain about changes in our head’s position and movement. It acts as a compass, guiding our body to respond to gravitational forces and stay balanced.

When the vestibular system is functioning well, it works with our muscles and joints to keep us stable, but if it’s impaired, our balance suffers.

Question for your personal trainers and performance coaches: How could this be beneficial for your athletes if you change direction or live in a sport where they have multiple head-on collisions?

Two key functions of the vestibular system include: 

1. Spatial Orientation: It helps the brain understand where the body is in relation to gravity, ensuring we know which way is up and how to maintain our posture.

2. Head Movement: The system detects rotations and movements in the head, coordinating with muscles to prevent falls during everyday activities like turning or looking around.

How Applied Neurology Helps

At Next Level Neuro, we emphasize the importance of vestibular training in our mentorship program. Our approach targets how the vestibular system integrates with the brain’s other sensory inputs—such as visual and proprioceptive cues—to enhance overall stability.

Coaches in our mentorship learn drills and exercises designed to recalibrate the vestibular system, improving balance and reducing fall risk.

Beyond balance, the vestibular system plays a role in keeping our vision stable, maintaining proper posture, and even regulating blood pressure during changes in position.

When functioning well, it helps prevent dizziness, headaches and falls. But when it’s compromised, even simple activities can feel disorienting.

Recognizing and Addressing Vestibular Dysfunction

Symptoms of vestibular dysfunction—like dizziness, unstable vision, or poor balance—often go unnoticed or are attributed to other causes.

In our mentorship program, we teach how to recognize these signs in clients and use applied neurology drills to correct these issues.

By understanding the brain’s role in balance and the vestibular system’s crucial functions, you can provide your clients with targeted solutions that prevent falls and improve their quality of life.

Take Your Practice to the Next Level 

Applied neurology offers powerful tools for anyone working with clients at risk of falls. Our mentorship program equips you with the skills to assess and address vestibular dysfunction, enhancing your practice and ensuring that your clients stay active, balanced, and confident.

To learn more about how you can help your clients lead more stable lives, visit us here and explore applied neurology.