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Original poster

Does my mum sound ok, is this normal for 72?

91 replies

Rememberthetimes · 14/04/2025 21:50

My mum has always been a little ditzy, slightly forgetful etc, since around 70, I’ve noticed it increasing a little. She was telling me recently how she feels tired after doing fairly simple things like cleaning etc and doesn’t do it as much. She also said she doesn’t like travelling anymore (airports/flying) and sometimes feels a bit anxious..like what if she’s forgotten something and so on. She’s someone who’s never been anxious before, just not that type of person.
Today on a walk, she just fell flat down, she had tripped over a tree root, but also told me how, recently she was on her knees looking for something and just sort of lost balance and fell onto her head, banging it.
This seems to have happened mainly in the last couple of years.

Am I being unduly worried about her?

OP posts:
romany4 · 14/04/2025 22:31

My Mum is 78 and still works part time. She does get tired easily now and can be a bit clumsy. Trips up steps etc but otherwise she's healthy

Original poster
Rememberthetimes · 14/04/2025 22:29

echt · 14/04/2025 22:15

Putting the hands out means she tripped rather than blacking out or fainting, where this instinctive response doesn't happen.

Definitely a visit to the GP needed.

Show quote history

She definitely tripped as a big tree root was sticking out, she was walking next to me, it felt like a straight thud next to me and it didn’t seem
like she had her hands/arms out. I will
ask her tomorrow
What could it mean, getting worried

OP posts:
OldCottageGreenhouse · 14/04/2025 22:28

My DM is 81 this year and whilst she gets tired very easily these days and very much hates the thought of travelling now after having travelled all her life, she can walk for miles and is always doing something (Found her up a ladder with a chainsaw once!) I’ve only known her fall once since being ‘elderly’ and that was years ago and a genuine trip.

Myself on the other hand, I’m 41 and have Functional Neurological Disorder and I’m allllways falling. Most of the time I do instinctively put my hands out whilst I’m falling, there has been times when I haven’t and I have been badly injured as a result.
I’m only mentioning my own condition as an example of neurological issues as it sounds like that could be in the realms of what’s going on with your mum but then I’m not a medic and I’ve absolutely no clue whether your mum’s issues are also symptoms of Dementia or something else.
Either way, best of luck

qbqbq · 14/04/2025 22:22

I agree with a pp - the tiredness and the not wanting to travel are fairly normal. Also a bit of worry about minor things is normal.

Forgetfulness and losing balance - I do think that needs a doctor visit.

But at the visit, I'd mention the tiredness, because although it's normal, it can be a symptom of other things.

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 14/04/2025 22:21

My mum is 73. None of that sounds familiar, but I appreciate there are also not many sports car driving, excess travelling 73 year olds around.

echt · 14/04/2025 22:15

Rememberthetimes · 14/04/2025 22:13

Why what does that mean please?

Show quote history

Putting the hands out means she tripped rather than blacking out or fainting, where this instinctive response doesn't happen.

Definitely a visit to the GP needed.

Original poster
Rememberthetimes · 14/04/2025 22:15

IridescentRainbow · 14/04/2025 21:54

I’m 75. I would say the tiredness and not wanting to travel is normal, but the falling or over balancing maybe not so much.

And anxiety when travelling?

OP posts:
Original poster
Rememberthetimes · 14/04/2025 22:13

Ponoka7 · 14/04/2025 21:54

Did she put her hands out, to stop the fall? Was there any instinctive movements? If nit, then she definitely needs checking out.

Why what does that mean please?

OP posts:
borntobequiet · 14/04/2025 22:00

Tripping over a tree root is normal, but losing balance for no good reason needs checking out.

Cadenza12 · 14/04/2025 22:00

72 is not that old. I would try to get your mum to her GP.

MaggieBsBoat · 14/04/2025 21:58

my mil is the same age and had a few falls and we thought she was blacking out. Turns out it was her blood pressure. She’s on new medication and has been fine since.

IridescentRainbow · 14/04/2025 21:54

I’m 75. I would say the tiredness and not wanting to travel is normal, but the falling or over balancing maybe not so much.

Ponoka7 · 14/04/2025 21:54

Did she put her hands out, to stop the fall? Was there any instinctive movements? If nit, then she definitely needs checking out.

Quiceinalifetime · 14/04/2025 21:54

It could be nothing, but it could be a brain or cardiovascular problem. She should go to the doctor.

ClioMuse · 14/04/2025 21:53

My FIL was like this and had some form of neurological degeneration so I'd get her checked out. He'd become nervous of going out and fell over when out as well.

Freda999 · 14/04/2025 21:52

It could be something or nothing. Would she be up for a GP visit and check up?