Senior Issues Vol. 3, No. 5
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SENIOR ISSUES NEWSLETTER
Vol. 3, No. 5
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"Senior Issues" is written by the following Penn State Cooperative Extension
agents who comprise the Northwest Pennsylvania Aging Cluster Team: Janice
Alberico (Lawrence County), Nancy Covert (Jefferson County), Holly Hedstrom
(Erie County), and Janet McDougall (Mercer County).
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VISION CHANGES
As people age, they inevitably experience vision changes. These changes
typica* surrounding muscle and the central nervous system. The lens of the
eye (usually clear and soft in young people) grows increasingly opaque and
rigid, and the muscles surrounding the eye weaken.
Normal visual changes associated with aging include:
* reduced visual acuity;
* diminished ability to accommodate or focus on objects;
* decreased color vision; and
* the need for increased illumination.
Visual acuity is a measure of how clearly objects can be seen. Normal visual
acuity is 20/20. This means that a person standing 20 feet from an eye chart
can correctly perceive a letter three-quarters of an inch high. Since visual
acuity usually decreases with age, it is not unusual for an older personUs
acuity to measure 20/100. Such an individual will need to be 20 feet from an
object that a person with normal visual acuity can see at a distance of 100
feet. If no eye disease is present, visual acuity can almost always be
corrected to normal or near normal with glasses or contact lenses.
Accommodation is the ability of the eye to focus clearly on objects at
different distances. As we age, the eye muscles become more flaccid, making
it difficult for the eye to shift its focus from objects that are near to
those that are distant. This problem can usually be corrected with reading
glasses, bifocals or, sometimes, trifocals.
Color vision may also decrease as the lens of the eye grows opaque. This
decrease is most evident when a person tries to distinguish closely-related
colors, particularly in the blue and green color families. For most people,
color differentiation is rarely a problem. Some people, however, may
experience difficulty with depth perception when, for example, stairs, walls
and landings are the same color. To avoid such problems, introduce
contrasting colors in the environment so that all objects, entrances, light
switches, etc. are clearly visible.
Illumination needs are greater as we age because less light is able to pass
through the lens of the eye. Older people require more light to perform
detailed tasks. They may have trouble seeing in dimly lit places, such as
movie theaters or restaurants. In addition, it may take longer for the eye to
adjust to the change from darkness to lightness and vice versa. Increasing
the light levels and focusing the light directly on the material in use are
usually effective ways to resolve these problems.
Changes in a personUs vision may signal an eye disorder unrelated to normal
aging. When eye diseases are diagnosed and treated early, the risk of vision
loss is greatly reduced or eliminated. Regular check-ups also enable older
people to have the best possible correction in their glasses or contact
lenses. Early diagnosis and treatment is the single most important factor in
preventing vision loss.
Reprinted with permission with credit to the New York State office for the
Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
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VISION AND DRIVING
One of the common concerns for people who experience vision changes due to
aging is their independence and mobility, particularly their continued ability
to drive a car.
While it is unlikely that most older adults will need to give up their cars,
it is essential to have a thorough eye exam at least once a year by a
qualified optometrist or ophthalmol-ogist, for all people over age 60.
As you grow older, one or more of the following vision changes could occur and
affect your driving:
* difficulty in changing focus for near and far objects;
* need for additional light to see clearly;
* greater susceptibility to glare from sun and headlights;
* slower reaction time; and
* less ability to see to the side when looking ahead
Driving Tips:
* Wear proper glasses for day and night driving. Use good quality
sunglasses in sunlight; do not wear tinted lenses or sunglasses at
night.
* Avoid glasses with wide temple pieces (they impair side vision).
* Keep your glasses clean.
* Watch ahead, beside and behind you as you drive. Use the rear view
mirror frequently.
* Drive at the approximate speed of the traffic around you.
* Drive a car with a clear windshield. Tinted windshields can reduce
the amount of light entering the eye. A clear windshield and use of
good sun glasses in sunlight is preferable.
* Keep headlights adjusted and keep headlights, taillights, and
windshield (inside and outside) clean.
* Always fasten safety belts and shoulder straps.
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Drugs and Driving
Know the side effects of any drug you take before getting behind the wheel.
The following drugs can affect your vision when driving: non-prescription
cold and sinus remedies; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; sedatives; pain
killers; some prescription drugs; and even extensive use of aspirin.
Adapted from DRIVING TIPS FOR OLDER ADULTS American Optometric Association.
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SOME TIPS FOR MAKING NEW FRIENDS
The longer we live, the greater the possibility that we will lose friend-ships
by moving away, poor health, or death of someone close to us. The American
Association of Retired Persons, in their pamphlet "Reflections and Suggestions
on Making New Friends" offers many ideas to help you expand your friendship
circle. Among their suggestions are the following:
* When attending a new social function, take a companion along if you
feel uncomfortable about the occasion. Smile, ask others about
themselves, and let others know about your interests, hobbies, or
goals.
* Keep trying, even if you feel awkward at first. Make contacts with
new acquaintances more than once. It takes time to discover each
others' interests, values and goals.
* Nurture friendships through continuing contact: phone calls,
letters, and personal visits. Share experiences, memories, and plans
for the future. Plan activities that you can both enjoy.
* Create your own opportunities. For example: begin a neighborhood
weekly or monthly potluck meal; join or organize a walking club;
volunteer to help with a local organization; organize a discussion
group on literature, religion, or politics; get a dog and take it for
walks; teach someone a hobby or skill, (woodworking, needlework,
etc.).
* "Friends in your life are like the pillars on your porch. Sometimes
they hold you up, and sometimes they lean on you. Sometimes it's
enough just to know theyUre standing by." (Anonymous)
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SAVINGS BONDS: OLDIES BUT GOODIES
U.S. government Series EE savings bonds have been around for awhile and for
good reason. They are sold for half their face value but, if held long
enough, will mature to full value.
You can purchase a $50 savings bond for $25 or a $200 savings bond for $100.
The bond of greatest worth would cost you $5,000 which, when mature, would be
valued at $10,000. Series EE bonds don't have a standard interest rate, thus
the amount of time varies for the bond to mature. A savings bond can be
cashed in any time after six months from the issue date, although cashing it
early will mean losing some of the interest it would have earned.
This information from Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.
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origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative
Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Bldg.,
University Park, PA 16802-2801; (814)863-0471 VOICE; (814)865-3175 TDD.
Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement
by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.
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Dr. Dan Lago, Ph.D., Penn State Extension Aging Specialist
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
323 Ag Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802
(814) 863-7871
Internet Address: djl@psu.edu