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Learning to restore balance

With advancing age come problems of unsteadiness and dizziness. Researchers are looking for ways to stop the falls.

By Kay Lazar

 |  Globe Staff  

  January 16, 2012

At any given time, an estimated 6.2 million Americans report a chronic problem of balance, dizziness or both, according to federal data. The problem tends to increase with age, and with the aging population, specialists say the ranks of the unsteady are sure to grow. The looming numbers of balance-challenged elders have inspired researchers in Massachusetts and in Oregon to develop two different styles of belts that will either buzz or beep and alert the wearer that he or she is tilting to one side and may potentially fall.

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