Aging in Our Community
A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO
Safeguarding the Vulnerabilities of Older Adults in America: The Importance of Vision Awareness As the population of older adults in Pima County (and nationally) continues to grow, it becomes imperative to recognize and address their vulnerabilities. Older adults face unique vulnerabilities that can impact their overall well-being and quality of life. It’s a fact of life that as we advance with age, physical and cognitive abilities can decline, making us more susceptible to various health challenges. Among these, vision impairment stands out as a particularly significant concern. According to the National Council on Aging, around one in three older adults aged 65 and above experiences some form of vision loss. In my own family, I witnessed my father-in-law experience significant challenges in many areas of his life due to macular degeneration. While my father-in-law was lucky enough to receive wonderful care due to being a disabled veteran, countless other older Americans are not so lucky. Blindness and severe visual impairment are prevalent among older adults, and this number is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. Losing sight can restrict a person’s independence, limit social interactions, and affect the ability to perform daily activities. Basic tasks such as cooking, navigating surroundings, and managing medication become challenging, leading to an increased reliance on others for support. Moreover, older adults with vision impairment are at a higher risk of falls, injuries, and depression. These serious challenges affect not only a person’s very physical safety and independence, the combination leads to significant social isolation. Such levels of social isolation itself lead to further and serious health
and well-being issues, such as depression/ anxiety, cognitive decline, impaired immune function, and elder abuse, as no one may be checking in on them to help watch for signs. Every July, National Vision Awareness Month takes center stage to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and vision care. This month-long observance offers an opportunity to educate the public, policymakers, and healthcare professionals about the impact of vision impairment on older adults. The awareness month aims to promote early detection, prevention, and treatment of vision problems through campaigns and initiatives. To ensure the health and welfare of older adults with vision impairment, various measures can be taken: • Regular Eye Examinations: Encouraging older adults to undergo regular eye exams is crucial for early detection and timely intervention of vision-related issues. Routine eye check-ups can help diagnose cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, enabling appropriate treatment options. • Accessible Environments: Creating age-friendly and visually accessible environments can enhance the independence and safety of older adults. This includes adequate lighting, clear signage, and modifications to home settings to minimize hazards. • Assistive Technology: Technological advancements offer a range of assistive devices for individuals with vision impairment. Devices such as magnifiers, text-to-speech software, and wearable assistive technology can empower older adults to engage in daily activities and maintain their autonomy.
• Community Support: Collaborating with community organizations and support groups can provide older adults valuable resources and social connections. These networks can offer emotional support, peer counseling, and opportunities for engaging in recreational activities. Protecting the well-being and dignity of older adults is a shared responsibility. PCOA is here to help you and your loved ones reduce levels of vulnerability through programs such as our Neighbors Care Alliance, a network of neighborhood volunteer programs with a shared mission of helping older adults thrive safely in their homes for as long as possible. We are always looking for volunteers to help with this vital program that genuinely and positively impacts our older neighbors. If you're feeling socially isolated, please check out our Healthy Living programs which offer opportunities to enrich your physical and social well-being. If you need help around your house or updates to make your home safer or are experiencing any forms of abuse (financial, emotional, neglect, psychological, or sexual), please call our Help Line at (520) 790-7262. By recognizing the vulnerabilities faced by older adults, particularly those related to vision impairment, we can work towards creating a society that supports and empowers its aging population. National Vision Awareness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize eye health and promote early intervention, ultimately improving the lives of older adults. Together, let us raise awareness and foster a society that values the well-being of its more senior members.
W.Mark Clark President & CEO
July 2023, Never Too Late | Page 3
Pima Council on Aging
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