Vestibular changes
The vestibular system works to detect position and motion of head which contributes to balance ability. Furthermore, the vestibular system helps to maintain a steady focus on objects or visual fixation during positional changes which elicit by the vestibule-ocular reflex whereas the vestibulospinal reflex contributes in righting reaction or stabilize the body. However, age-related degenerative changes in the vestibular organ and vestibular pathway are well-documented. The evidence supports that the vestibular impairment are more prevalent in elderly such as infection, calcium carbonate deposition in the semicircular canals and cerebellar ataxia. Additionally, reported the impairments of vestibular functions of elderly, especially after aged 70 years, because of the loss of 40 percents vestibular hairs and nerve cells. This loss impedes interpretation that results in decreased hearing sensitivity. In addition, the vestibular impairments cause dizziness, postural instability and staggering gait pattern which increase risk of fall or recurrent fall in elderly.
Furthermore, all of sensory systems above have been integrated with motor system. In other words, it refers to the process by which these two systems(sensory and motor) communicate and coordinate with each other.