Having control over our lives is important and adjusting well to change is central to our psychological well-being. A loss of eyesight or hearing can have a huge impact on our lives if not dealt with.
Sight
Our eyes are one of our most valuable senses yet as we age our eyesight can be one of the first things we notice deteriorating. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness. People over 60 are eligible for a free NHS sight test every two years, annually if you are over 70. See your Optician for more information.
Hearing
More than 50 per cent of people over 60 will be affected by some type of hearing loss. Older people can feel vulnerable, lonely and isolated and can wait many years before seeking help. It can be better to find out about hearing aids sooner rather than later as getting used to amplified sounds is harder if you've already got used to a 'quieter world'. If you think you may have some hearing problems you should visit your GP as soon as possible, who will do some simple tests.