Abstract
Evaluation of the balancing ability(equilibrium)in the elderly is considered to be significant primarily in exploration for preventive measures against falling in relation to fitness. This article intends to provide basic data considered to be necessary for this exploration by giving an overview of methods for the measurement of static and dynamic balance and by reviewing cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with regard to topics such as the characteristics of age-associated changes in the balancing ability in the elderly measured by these methods, the relationship of the balancing ability with the history of falling, its relationship with other aspects of fitness, and effects of exercise and sports on it.
