What should an 80-year-old do about dizziness?

Generally, dizziness in 80-year-old individuals may be caused by poor sleep quality, chronic sleep deprivation, orthostatic hypotension, hypoglycemia, hypertension, and other factors. Treatment may include general measures and medication under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Sleep Quality

If an 80-year-old individual consistently experiences poor sleep quality—such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, or early morning awakening—sleep deficiency may result, affecting normal brain nerve function and leading to dizziness. It is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid overeating at dinner, and refrain from consuming caffeine-containing beverages.

2. Chronic Sleep Deprivation

Prolonged lack of adequate sleep in elderly individuals can prevent proper rest for brain tissues, resulting in dizziness. Adjusting sleep schedules and aiming for 7–9 hours of sleep per night is recommended. Short naps during the day are acceptable but should not be excessively long.

3. Orthostatic Hypotension

In elderly individuals around 80 years old, reduced vascular elasticity impairs blood pressure regulation when transitioning suddenly from lying down or sitting to standing, leading to insufficient cerebral blood flow and dizziness. To prevent this, rapid changes in body position should be avoided. When rising from a lying or seated position, movements should be slow and supported adequately.

4. Hypoglycemia

Elderly individuals aged 80 are prone to hypoglycemia due to irregular eating patterns or improper use of antidiabetic medications. During hypoglycemia, the brain does not receive sufficient energy, potentially causing dizziness. In daily life, consuming carbohydrate-rich foods such as rice and noodles helps maintain stable blood glucose levels.

5. Hypertension

Reduced vascular elasticity combined with unhealthy dietary habits makes 80-year-olds susceptible to hypertension. Elevated intracranial pressure due to high blood pressure can lead to dizziness, often accompanied by symptoms such as headache, palpitations, chest tightness, and blurred vision. Patients may take medications such as nifedipine sustained-release tablets, valsartan capsules, or metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets as prescribed by their doctor.

Eighty-year-old individuals should maintain regular sleep patterns, follow a balanced diet, avoid prolonged sleep deprivation and sudden changes in posture to help prevent dizziness and other discomforts.