The American Society on Aging is promoting this day to help reframe how we talk about aging and older people in a society where ageism is pervasive. Modeled after the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons celebrated on Oct. 1, Ageism Awareness Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism … Continued
Social isolation and loneliness are major concerns for older people in general but have particular significance for older people who are blind or low vision, as detailed in a recent article on VisionAware. What Do We Mean by Social Isolation and Loneliness? Social isolation has two components: physical and social. It occurs when people are … Continued
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are a heavy topic for a blog post. So why write about them? It’s Older Americans month and it is important for people to understand the major factors that shape their lives and affect them as they grow older. This post will discuss how these factors intersect with losing vision … Continued
The Administration on Community Living (ACL), who administers the Older Americans Act (OAA),recently announced the theme for Older Americans Month (May 2022) is Age My Way. The theme epitomizes ways older adults can remain in and stay involved with their communities. This theme is especially relevant for older people adjusting to vision changes, who often … Continued
In 1991, the United Nations (UN) adopted October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. According to the UN’s webpage on international observances, “By creating special observances, the United Nations promotes international awareness and action on these issues…International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources … Continued
According to the Census Bureau, there are 54 million adults 65 years of aging and older and that number is expected to grow to 80 million by 2040. Likewise, the number of older people with vision loss is expected to double by 2050. What does this mean to you? Part of healthy aging is taking care of your eyes. According to … Continued
By Mary E. Worstell, MPH, Adult Daughter, Caregiver, Member of the Aging and Vision Loss National Coalition, and Retired HHS Senior Advisor My mother is 97 and has severe hearing and vision loss. I have seen her world shrink as she has almost completely stopped reading, which was her passion, and her hearing has worsened … Continued
With the introduction of AFB’s new strategic direction last year, AFB has identified three significant issues to address in our efforts to create a world of no limits: education, employment, and aging and vision loss. Many of our initiatives moving forward will center around these priorities. With regard to aging and vision loss, America is … Continued
As a senior with vision loss, you have doubtless been encouraged to use computers, smartphones, and other access technologies to help regain and maintain your quality of life. With these devices, you can potentially recapture nearly all of the independence you once thought might be gone forever. But along with the advantages, come certain risks … Continued
Many websites, including VisionAware, emphasize the importance of emotional support and coping strategies when dealing with adult-onset vision loss and combined vision and hearing loss. Some of these strategies include joining peer support groups; reading books about blindness and vision loss; reading personal stories of people who have adjusted to vision loss; and encouraging family … Continued