All Care

Protecting Vision and Hearing: Age-Related Health Tips

September 05, 2024

As we age, our vision and hearing tend to deteriorate. Therefore, it becomes crucial to safeguard them, as these senses are vital for a happy and stress-free life. This is true whether you want to maintain your natural sight and hearing abilities or recover after medical treatment. 

Today, we will explore essential strategies for protecting vision health and hearing health.

Expert Tips for Good Vision Health in Seniors

Vision health refers to the best state for vision and eye function. It boosts well-being, social inclusion, and quality of life.

The CDC estimates that about 2.9 million Americans having low vision are aged 40 and above. Vision loss can lead to social withdrawal, depression, and other chronic conditions.

Vision health can decline with age, but proactive steps can help preserve it. Here are some tips that you can follow routinely:

  • Regular Eye Exams: As the American Optometric Association suggests, comprehensive eye exams yearly can prevent serious issues later. Early detection of issues like glaucoma, cataracts, and AMD can prevent severe vision loss.
  • Healthy Diet: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can make a lot of difference in your eye health. Leafy greens, carrots, and fish are excellent choices.

    Consuming leafy vegetables like spinach and kale has been shown to reduce macular degeneration. The ingredients responsible for this are lutein and zeaxanthin and research shows they increase macular pigmentation.
  • Protective Eyewear: Sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays can prevent cataracts and other eye damage like snow blindness.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Quitting smoking can improve your eye health.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise can help prevent vision loss by keeping a check on your cholesterol. Maintain an active lifestyle and reap the benefits of a lifelong vision.
  • Limit Screen Time: Limit your screen time to reduce eye strain. Prolonged use can cause blurry vision and dry eyes. Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple exercise can reduce strain.

Health Tips for Good Hearing Health in Seniors

Hearing health refers to your overall hearing ability. It involves how you perceive sound and how your brain processes and interprets it.

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) says 15% of adults have hearing loss. It affects about one in three people in the U.S. aged 65 to 74. Age is the main factor, with hearing loss becoming more common as people get older.

Here are some tips to protect your hearing health:

  • Hearing Tests: Get your hearing checked every year if you're over 60. Early detection of hearing loss can prevent serious issues in the future.
  • Avoid Loud Noises: Limit exposure to loud sounds. Use ear protection in noisy environments to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
  • Manage Earwax: Excessive earwax can block your ears and reduce hearing. Have a professional clean your ears if needed and avoid using sharp objects to clear your ear.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are known to affect hearing health.

Taking these precautions can help you maintain your hearing health as you age.

All Care for Your Vision and Hearing Health

At All Care, we are dedicated to helping you maintain your vision health and hearing health. We offer regular screenings, care plans, and access to new assistive technology. We offer expert advice on lifestyle changes as well.

If you are worried about financial concerns and your insurance plan, All Care has a wide range of insurance plans, which include Managed Care, Medicare, and commercial plans. 

We strive to make quality care convenient, with branches located across Pinellas County.

Our Branches:

Final Note

Timely detection and swift intervention prevent all sorts of health crises. In Florida, we have a reputation for providing comprehensive medical care and personalized support.

Visit our website for health and wellness solutions for seniors in Florida. Keep your vision and hearing health a priority, and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

Contact us today for more information!

References: