Avoiding escalators is based on reality for some

Krishna: This question is asked by a person who doesn’t know anything about balance problems. This question itself is lodged in ignorance.

The elderly  usually have balance problems. People who are most likely to experience balance problems include older adults, individuals with inner ear disorders, those who have experienced head injuries, people with neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, individuals taking certain medications that can affect balance, and those with vision problems or joint issues that impact stability.

Older adults who have difficulty walking or maintaining balance should use elevators rather than escalators, researchers and doctors caution. Because escalator injuries have increased several fold after the introduction of escalators.

Balance problems can make you feel dizzy, as if the room is spinning, unsteady, or lightheaded. You might feel as if the room is spinning or you're going to fall down. These feelings can happen whether you're lying down, sitting or standing.

Many body systems — including your muscles, bones, joints, eyes, the balance organ in the inner ear, nerves, heart and blood vessels — must work normally for you to have normal balance. When these systems aren't functioning well, you can experience balance problems.

Many medical conditions can cause balance problems. However, most balance problems result from issues in your balance organ in the inner ear (vestibular system). (1)

Signs and symptoms of balance problems include (1):

• Sense of motion or spinning (vertigo)
• Feeling of faintness or lightheadedness (presyncope)
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness
• Falling or feeling like you might fall
• Feeling a floating sensation or dizziness
• Vision changes, such as blurriness
• Confusion

Loss of balance or unsteadiness

Losing your balance while walking, or feeling imbalanced, can result from (1):

• Vestibular problems. Abnormalities in your inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head and unsteadiness in the dark. (A vestibular problem, also known as a vestibular disorder, is a disruption in the body's balance system, primarily affecting the inner ear, causing symptoms like dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), nausea, difficulty walking, and visual disturbances due to incorrect signals sent to the brain regarding head movement and position; this can manifest as feeling off-balance, stumbling, or experiencing blurred vision when moving the head quickly).
• Nerve damage to your legs (peripheral neuropathy). The damage can lead to difficulties with walking.
• Joint, muscle or vision problems. Muscle weakness and unstable joints can contribute to your loss of balance. Difficulties with eyesight also can lead to unsteadiness.
• Medications. Loss of balance or unsteadiness can be a side effect of medications.
• Certain neurological conditions. These include cervical spondylosis and Parkinson's disease.

Dizziness

A sense of dizziness or lightheadedness can result from:

• Inner ear problems. Abnormalities of the vestibular system can lead to a sensation of floating or other false sensation of motion.
• Psychiatric disorders. Depression (major depressive disorder), anxiety and other psychiatric disorders can cause dizziness.
• Abnormally rapid breathing (hyperventilation). This condition often accompanies anxiety disorders and may cause lightheadedness.
• Medications. Lightheadedness can be a side effect of medications.

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People with balance problems should generally avoid using escalators and opt for elevators instead, as the movement of the escalator can significantly increase the risk of falls due to their difficulty maintaining stability on a moving surface.

These people should always consult with a healthcare professional for specific guidance based on their individual situation.

The constant movement of an escalator can be challenging for people with balance problems, making it more likely they could stumble or fall while stepping on or off. Even if someone with balance issues does use an escalator, they should firmly grasp the handrail to maintain stability.

If someone has significant balance problems, using an elevator is usually the safest option. People with balance concerns should discuss their mobility needs with a doctor or physical therapist to determine the best way to navigate different environments.

Although escalators are a safe form of transportation, fall-related injuries do occur. Older adults, especially those with mobility, balance or vision problems, should use caution while riding an escalator and especially when stepping on or off. They should not try to walk up or down a moving escalator, carry large objects, or wear loose shoes or clothing while riding since these appear to be associated with an increased risk of falling.

Almost all public transport systems around the world provide lifts or elevators so that people with balance problems can use them.

Airports around the world typically have lifts or elevators readily available for passengers who cannot use escalators , as accessibility features are a standard requirement in modern airport design; these elevators are specifically placed to provide access to different levels of the terminal, including departure gates and baggage claim areas.

Key points about airport elevators:

Accessibility:Elevators are considered essential for passengers with mobility impairments, ensuring they can navigate the airport independently.

Location:You will usually find elevators near escalators and at key access points within the terminal.

Wide availability:Most major airports worldwide have a comprehensive network of elevators to cater to diverse passenger needs.

Please don’t ridicule people with certain health conditions and disabilities. Don’t try to lecture them about “conquering fears” because some of their concerns are based on reality and not on irrationality. Try to help them if possible.

Elders and people with balancing problems who don’t want to use escalators, don’t worry, you are right when you say you don’t want to use them. People who ridicule you, won’t help you when you fall and face injuries. Just hit the ‘ignore button’, because these people are ‘ignorant’ about your conditions.

Footnotes:

1. Balance problems - Symptoms and causes