We experience the world through our senses. When one or more of them is affected by disease, accidents or the aging process, it diminishes one’s ability to function at optimal levels. As one ages, the loss of hearing or sight might contribute to isolation and/or depression.

The aging process causes some changes in vision such as a yellowing of the lenses which decreases color discrimination and depth perception. Presbyopia is the inability of the lens to focus sharply on nearby objects. Resulting from the loss of lens elasticity, it causes the majority of us to wear magnification glasses after age 40.

Another common age related change in the eye is difficulty with light/dark adaptation. This is the reason many seniors decide not to drive at night or go into a darkened movie theater during the day. To see well, Elders need about 3 times as much light as 20 year olds.

Disease and accidents can lead to blindness. Many individuals suffer from macular degeneration, but should be aware there are new treatments for the “wet type” of this condition. Glaucoma is a silent and often undetected disease of the eye that can lead to blindness.

Vision should be checked at least every two years and more often for those with diagnosed conditions. Those with a dementia should not ignore having vision tested—poor vision can contribute to increased confusion or safety hazards.

Hearing is also important to our safety and well being as well as quality of life. About 10 percent of those over 65 and 25 percent of those over 75 have hearing loss that interferes with daily activities. All hearing loss should be evaluated as it may be the build-up of earwax, which can be removed to improve hearing.

Throughout life, we lose taste buds mostly by burning the tongue with hot food. A loss in the ability to smell and taste can reduce appetite and lead to malnutrition and weight loss or cause individuals to over salt or sugar foods leading to other health issues.

Touch and pain sensitivity can be part of the aging process or related to chronic aging related illnesses such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or stroke. A decreased response to pain can lead to severe burns or other problems associated with slowed blood circulation as well as decreased heat-producing activities of the body.

Individuals should have senses evaluated at least once every two years and more frequently if diagnosed with a condition that warrants monitoring. Those who live alone might be at a higher risk for accidents related to sensory changes and should have a system that they create, like an emergency response system and working fire/smoke detectors in their homes.

There are many new inventions to assist those with hearing and vision loss, most notably the free communication devices provided by local telephone companies. Seeing, hearing and helper dogs are also available to serve those with sensory changes.

Sensory Checklist

1. Check hearing and vision at least every 2 years.
2. Be observant of changes in eating habits.
3. See a doctor about increased or decreased pain sensation.
4. Contact a Professional Geriatric Care Manager (http://www.caremanager.org) about tools to assist with sensory loss.