Vision Changes in Older Individuals

In older individuals there is a decline in the visual acuity and normal changes caused by the aging process result in progressive changes to a person's vision.

-Progreesive Farsightedness causing a person to develop blurring of vision when trying to read objects that are close such as a book or menu
-The skin around the eyes or eyelids may droop as the skin looses elasticity and can occlude a person’s visual field known as senile ptosis. (loose skin causes a blockage of vision)
-There can be a decrease in muscle strength or the eye and cause the eyelid not to close completely leading to corneal dryness (dry eyes).
-The conjunctiva, the thin membrane over the sclera, has goblet cells which produce mucin (lubricant of the eye). Aging eyes have a decrease in number of goblet cells and thus have a decrease in tear production. (eyes dry more easily)
-The cornea, which refracts light, becomes flatter, less smooth, and thicker making older eyes more susceptible to astigmatism (blurred vision)
-Pupil size is smaller creating a slower constriction in the presence of bright light. There is a slowing of the pupil’s dilation in dark settings and a slowing in an aging eye’s ability to accommodate to changes in light. (a person has difficulty adjusting vision when going from a well-lit place to a dark place-it takes longer to be able to see)
-Glare occurs often in sunlight as well as reflecting off shiny objects. (glare around an object obstructs a person's vision)
-Older eyes need three times more light making night vision impaired for older adults.
-Peripheral vision also decreases (less able to see directly to the side of a person).
-There is a yellowing of the lens causing some reduction of the eye’s ability to discriminate blues, greens, and violets; A person can see these colors better: yellows, oranges, and reds

ANNUAL EYE EXAMINATIONS are encouraged.
Wear glasses and update glasses routinely.
Be cautious when driving at night or in bad weather.

SEEK MEDICAL EVALUATION:
-If pain occurs suddenly with changes in vision.
-If you see a shower of particles
-If there is blurring of vision accompanied by a headache

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY VISION FOR THE FUTURE!

The Best Defense is a Good Offense to Battle Aging

Improving Health in the Golden Years: Sometimes the best defense is a great offense-and this can be the best plan for improving health and decreasing the effects of aging. As the years go by, a person’s health can stay at the optimal level if individuals are careful to watch their diet, exercise, manage diseases, and use the proper balance of vitamins and supplements. The hopes are to tip the odds for staying healthy and vibrant in one’s own favor. Many have encouraged taking care of long-term health with a good proactive plan in order to live a long and healthy life as well as increase the chances of enjoying the golden years.

Understand the Normal Aging Processes which affect a peron and learn ways to maintain health, prevent problems, and live along and healthy life.

graying of america

In the United States, our older population is on the verge of exploding as the baby boomer generation grows old. There are 8000 Americans turning 60 every day. This will have a significant impact on our society as our population pyramid is turned upside down with the older folks outnumbering all other age groups. The dynamics of healthcare will change with an emphasis on prevention, health maintenance, and people growing old better than their parents.

The focus of the coming blogs will be on understanding normal aging and ways to grow older gracefully and healthy.

please post your thoughts and any areas of interest which you wish to be discussed more thoroughly.

WELCOME TO A BLOG ON GROWING OLDER-HEALTH, NORMAL AGING, AND ISSUES MANY OLDER PERSONS FACE ON A DAILY BASIS

This is a blog which discusses aging and issues important to the elderly population.

The author is a Nurse Practitioner who brings expertise in developing geriatric appropriate treatment strategies based on over 25 years working in nursing/healthcare, over 14 years working as a Nurse Practitioner caring for elders, and from best practices in geriatric care based on research in the field. The strategies are based on evidence based outcomes by leading geriatric experts and an extensive search through up-to-date literature as well as the author’s professional and personal practice experiences.