Effect of aging on ADL in relation to equilibrium; a questionnaire survey

In our neurotological department, the number of aged patients with vertigo and dysequilibrium have increased gradually as the life expectancy rises. Many discussions about the effect of aging on equilibrium tests have appeared but few detailed studies have been reported. In our opinion, activities of daily living (ADL) which are related to equilibrium should be considered when equilibrium changes with aging are investigated. This report describes ADL changes in healthy elderly persons. We sent questionnaires related to equilibrium to 1079 healthy adults and analyzed ADL changes with aging. ADL started decreasing in the seventh decade. The function of the upper extremities almost always remained better than that of the lower extremities, trunk and spine. Furthermore, the ADL of persons who continues work, sports and leg exercise are significantly superior to the ADL of sedentary elderly persons.