Tips for Independent Senior Living

There is a lot you can do to ensure an easy life for seniors who choose to live an independent life. Here are some small changes you can make, that will help your loved one live an easier life.

See an Ophthalmologist

Those with low vision can improve their quality of life through low vision rehabilitation, which teaches people how to use their remaining sight more effectively and can be arranged through an ophthalmologist – a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions.

Make things Bigger

Sit closer to the television or to the stage at performances. Get large books, phone dials and playing cards. Also, carry magnifiers for help with menus, prescription bottles and price tags.

Make things Brighter

Make sure areas are well lit and cover shiny surfaces to reduce glare. For instance, drink coffee from a white mug and always use a felt-tipped pen with black ink.

Use Technology

Many of today’s newer technologies have applications that can help with low vision. For example, e-readers allow users to adjust the font size and contrast. Many smartphones and tablets can be used to magnify print, identify cash bills and provide voice-navigated directions.

Organize and Label

Designate spots for your keys, wallet and frequently used items in your refrigerator. Mark thermostats and dials with high contrast markers from a fabric store; label medications with markers or rubber bands; and safety-pin labels onto similarly colored clothing to tell them apart.

Eye Checkup for Seniors

Seniors enjoy their independence just as we do! That’s why regular checkups and screenings are very important, as you age.

An annual eye checkup is a simple, low-stress way to keep tabs on your eye and overall health.

Here are some of the things your doctor will be looking for:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

This is the leading cause of blindness among seniors. But, early detection and treatment can slow its progress significantly. There are a couple different types of AMD. The type determines the treatment – ranging from laser surgery, medication or dietary supplements to slow the disorder.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma has been called, “the silent thief of sight” because too often, it goes unnoticed before too much damage is done to save vision. It’s caused by too much pressure in the eyes. When doctors catch it early, they can often manage it effectively and prevent vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a nearly unavoidable part of aging. Over time, the lens in the eyes can get cloudy and yellow. But, updated eyewear prescriptions can often delay surgery, which is easy and low-risk.

Diabetic retinopathy

This affects diabetic patients and can rob sight. The tiny blood vessels in the eye that feed the retina become damaged and allow fluids to seep into the eye. Treatment includes changes in diet and exercise, and also surgery.

Refractive errors

Vision changes and usually worsens with age. A yearly checkup will help keep vision sharp with updated eyewear prescriptions.

Healthy Eye Tips for Those Over 60!

Nutrition Is a key component in healthy eyes

To keep your eyes working healthy and properly, choose foods that are rich in antioxidants like vitamin A and C, such as leafy, green vegetables and fish.  Many foods, especially fish, contain omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to the health of macula and other parts of the eye.

 

Smoking affects eye health, too

Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of oxidative stress.  Smoking increases the risk of developing a variety of conditions that affect your eye health.

Step away from your computer screen

After hours of staring at the computer, your eyes end up feeling the same kind of repetitive stress in your eye muscles as your wrists. When working on the computer, try to:
 

• Keep your computer at a 20’-24’ distance from your eyes.
  
• Keep the top of your computer screen slightly below your eyes.
• Adjust the lighting to minimize glares on your screen.
• Take a break every 15 minutes to focus on an object in the distance.
• Remember to blink frequently!

Exercise

Believe it or not, exercise is very important for eye health. Exercise helps improve blood circulation, which, in return, improves oxygen levels to the eyes and the removals of toxins. Regular exercise also helps keep our weight in the normal range, which reduces the risk of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

We are celebrating senior independence month this July

Each day approximately 10,000 Americans turn 65 and one in every six adults this age and older has some type of vision impairment that cannot be corrected with either glasses or contacts.

As we celebrate our independence this July, it is important to keep in mind the independence of our older loved ones.

To ensure a safe and happy independent lifestyle, we need to make sure that our eyes are working at their best.

Here are some 7 sight-saving habits that will help maintain independence for seniors.

1. Get an Eye Exam.

Adults age 65 and over should get a medical eye exam every one-to-two years. Regular eye exams are very important in spotting changes in vision, which could be a symptom for a serious eye disease or condition.

2. Know the Symptoms of Vision Loss.

Signs of vision loss may become apparent when reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car or even recognizing faces becomes more difficult. You vision problems may cause you to bumping into or knocking over objects, take steps hesitantly, squinting or tilting the head when trying to focus. If you’ve had to do any of these, let your doctor know!

3. Make Eye-Healthy Food Choices.

A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Studies show that foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin are good for eye health. Some eye-healthy foods include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold-water fish.

4. Quit Smoking.

Avoiding smoking and second hand smoke – or quitting, for current smokers – are some of the best investments everyone can make for long-term eye health. Smoking increases risk for eye diseases like cataract and age related macular degeneration and can raise the risks of cardiovascular diseases that can influence the eye problems.

5.  Maintain Normal Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Glucose Levels.

High blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels can all lead to an increase risk of vision loss from an eye disease. Always try to keep these levels under control, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

6. Get Regular Physical Activity.

Thirty minutes of exercise a day can benefit your heart, waistline and energy levels, and also do some good for your eyesight! Many eye diseases are linked to other health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

7. Wearing Sunglasses.

Exposure to ultra violet (UV) light can raise the risks of some eye problems, including cataract, growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection, and a hat while enjoying time outdoors.