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Patient Questions  /  Feeling unsteady as you age

Dizziness & Balance

Is Feeling Unsteady Just Part of Getting Older?

Not entirely. Balance can slip with age, but much of it comes from things that can be improved: weaker legs, less activity, inner-ear problems, medications and vision. Balance and strength can be trained at any age.

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What affects balance

  • Leg and hip strength, which drops with inactivity.
  • Feeling in your feet, which can be reduced by diabetes or nerve problems.
  • The inner ear, including treatable problems like BPPV.
  • Vision, including outdated glasses and cataracts.
  • Medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness, or lower blood pressure when you stand.
  • Fear of falling, which leads to moving less, and then weaker legs and worse balance.

The good news

Balance is a skill that responds to practice. Programs that combine balance exercises, leg strengthening and walking reduce falls in older adults living at home. Tai chi is another option with good evidence. It's never too late to start.

When to see a doctor

Get medical care right away if unsteadiness comes with:

  • Sudden weakness, numbness, face drooping or trouble speaking: call 911
  • Fainting, chest pain or a racing heartbeat
  • Balance that has gotten much worse over days or weeks
  • A fall with a head injury, especially if you take a blood thinner

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist tests your strength, balance and walking, looks for causes like inner-ear problems, and builds a progressive program that makes you steadier and more confident, with support nearby while you practice.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Balance problems and fall prevention →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026