why do old people seem to get clumsier with age?

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why do old people seem to get clumsier with age?

In: Biology

2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Our movements are in some part controlled by the signals sent to and from our nerves. When we get older, those signals take longer to be sent out from our arms/legs/etc. and longer to be understood by the control center, the brain. So our movements can become a little clumsier at least in part because of that delay.

Anonymous 0 Comments

General breakdown of all the systems that make one deft and limber—ears control balance, but so do feet and legs and with general weakness in legs and worse circulation in feet, there’s slower responsiveness and ability to tell there’s a problem. Eyesight is also not as keen so clues there are less acute. And then there are joint problems that can make a person wobble or freeze up for a second, so that creates a balance situation that they’re going to be slower to respond to. Like. You’re walking and suddenly a muscle gives out for a second, which makes you stumble. That’s not happening as often with a young person. Other muscles need to overcompensate and they’re weaker and slower, making the stumble worse and more difficult to correct.