Aging has measurable effects on all body parts, including the
heart, the bones, the mind — particularly if you don't
take care of yourself. The aging process also affects the
five senses. The ability to see and hear clearly and to taste
and smell usually declines as people age. Sensory loss of any
kind, if not corrected or minimized, can adversely affect
your overall health and well-being.
The inability to see clearly, for example, can lead to a host
of other problems, ranging from social isolation to injuries
from falls. Such injuries may require hospitalization. Or
worse, they may lead to serious health complications which
can cause further disability.
Likewise, an older individual with a hearing problem is more
likely to become less physically mobile, less cognitively
curious, less communicative and less social.
If you have trouble tasting or smelling pleasurable aromas,
you may lose interest in food and develop a poor appetite.
This can put you at risk of poor nutrition.
Hygiene may be affected if you can't detect unpleasant body
odor. And safety is a concern if scents from harmful vapors
or gases or smoke from a fire go unnoticed.
Like the aging process itself, the speed and the degree to
which your senses decline in later life are highly
individual. Genetics, the environment and your lifestyle all
play a role.
The good news is that many types of sensory losses can be
corrected or improved with medical and surgical intervention
and/or help aids and devices, such as eyeglasses, hearing
aids and telephone amplifiers. So be sure to speak with your
health-care provider if you are suffering from any change in
vision, hearing, taste, smell or touch.
(C) 2006 Dr. Reuven Bruner. All Rights Reserved.
For more information contact him at: POB 1903, Jerusalem,
91314, Israel; Tel: (02) 652-7684; Mobile: 052 2865-821; Fax:
(02) 652-7227; Email: FitnessDoctor@Bezeqint.net
