Changes in sensory ability can cause increased accidents

Older adults are faced with changes that may increase the risk of accidents and reduce the quality of life.

Visual and hearing problems interfere with communication and can affect social interactions. Difficulties with smell and taste can contribute to nutritional deficiencies. Reduction of the sense of touch may impact the safety of older adults.

Age-related changes in vision can begin as early as age 40. Reduced vision, especially in low lighting conditions, may cause more bumping into objects and straining to read.

To assist family members who have vision challenges, use more sources of light or higher wattage bulbs. Blinds or shades will reduce glare from windows. Install night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Use brightly colored tape or paint to mark the edge of porch steps.

For reading, use concentrated light and a magnifying glass or reading glasses. Older adults should have annual eye exams or more often if recommended. Diabetes and hypertension can affect vision, and older adults should contact their doctor immediately if they have symptoms of eye pain, discharge, redness, swelling, or any loss of vision.

Thirty percent of adults over the age of 60 have some hearing loss. Difficulty following a conversation between two or more people prompts many older adults to withdraw from social activities. Family members should get the listener’s attention before speaking clearly to ensure their older relatives are able to hear what they have to say. Other tips include reducing background noise and scheduling regular hearing exams. Options that help those with reduced hearing are hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, television closed captioning systems, and alerts for alarm clocks, smoke detectors, and doorbells.

Smell and taste sensitivity are often minor and usually occur after the age of 70. A decreased sensitivity to odors may put seniors at risk if they are unable to smell a gas leak or smoke. Loss of taste and smell can affect food consumption and lead to malnutrition. To address taste and smell loss, offer familiar favorite foods, add additional seasoning, and encourage daily exercise to stimulate the appetite.

When older adults lose touch sensitivity, they may damage their skin without noticing. Elderly skin often becomes dry and tears or breaks more easily. Daily baths, as well as the sun, wind, and cold temperatures, tend to dry skin. After taking a bath, pat gently to dry and apply body oil or lotion. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain body temperature and replace fluids lost through normal elimination.

For more information and additional tips, contact LSU AgCenter at 728-3216.

Danna Gillett is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for LSU AgCenter in Richland Parish.