In individuals over 60, stability decreases by what percentage when eyes are closed?

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Balance depends on the integration of vision, proprioception, and the vestibular system. When eyes are closed, visual input is removed, so the body must rely on proprioceptive and vestibular cues to stay upright. In individuals over 60, these non-visual senses are often less precise due to age-related changes, so stability tends to drop more markedly with the loss of vision. The typical amount of decline observed is about half, or roughly a 50% decrease in stability when moving from eyes open to eyes closed. This pattern helps explain why older adults are more prone to sway and falls in low-visibility situations. In practice, this underscores the value of balance training that enhances proprioceptive and vestibular function, and the need to create safe environments to reduce fall risk.