AGING DISORDERS AND SENIOR DISABILITIES
June 19, 2018
Teeth and Mouth Disorders
Find out why your sense of taste and smell may change as you get older and know when to call an otolaryngologist for help.
Problems such as no appetite or difficulty chewing can keep older adults from eating healthy. Get problem-solving suggestions for common barriers.
Keep your teeth and gums healthy! Get facts about oral cancer, dry mouth, using dentures, and how to find low-cost dental care.
AGING DISORDERS AND SENIOR DISABILITIES (Https://Nih.Gov/Aging_disorders_and Senior Disabilities)
Jun 19, 2018
Nutritional Problems - Weak Taste Buds, Weak Salivary/GI Glands
Jun 19, 2018
Jun 19, 2018
Jun 19, 2018
Jun 19, 2018
Jun 19, 2018
Jun 19, 2018
Jun 19, 2018
Movement Disorders And Problems
Jun 19, 2018
Jun 19, 2018
Advertiser Disclosure
How to finance aging-in-place renovations: A fully accessible guide
By Michael Pearl Michael Pearl's Twitter profile
Feb. 25, 2021/
6 min read
Image Credit:
10'000 Hours/Getty
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In a 2018 study, AARP found that 76 percent of people age 50 and older would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. It’s a process known as aging in place — one in which seniors retrofit their properties to accommodate growing older, rather than moving out to an assisted living facility, into a nursing home or in with a loved one.
Staying in your own home as you grow older offers many benefits. For most, it means a stronger sense of safety, comfort and independence, and it also affords you more privacy. Though the renovation costs may be high, aging in place can often be cheaper than an assisted living facility would be — especially if you plan ahead.
For a room-by-room guide on aging-in-place renovations, check out AARP’s HomeFit Guide.
For the budget-minded homeowner, there are a number of ways to finance the aging-in-place process, including:
It is best to begin planning for aging-in-place renovations early, long before you retire. If you haven’t started planning just yet, there are still financial steps you can take in order to remain in your home. This guide breaks them all down.
What’s your current situation? Choose an option below.
I’m still employed and I haven’t retired yet.
I’m retired and on a fixed income.
I’m moving in with a family member.
I’m still employed and I haven’t retired yet
Best for you: Home improvement loan or home equity loan/HELOC
If you’re still employed but considering aging in place, now’s the time to start planning. If you own a home, you’ll want to start making the property more accessible as soon as possible. Ideally, you can spread your renovations out over time to reduce the costs and hassle, but depending on your age and retirement timeline, you might need to do several renovations at once to ensure that your property is ready.
A quick caveat here: Renovating your home for old age doesn’t have to mean a cold and clinical design. In fact, it’s usually better to integrate aging in place into other home improvement projects than do them on a one-off basis. This way you can have the interior design you want while also improving your home’s accessibility (this also helps ensure your home’s value and marketability when you’re ready to sell it).
For example, if you’re redoing the cabinets in your kitchen, you could consider replacing the knobs with D-shaped pulls to make gripping easier as you age. Small steps like that can help prepare you for larger aging-in-place renovations in the future.
Financing those renovations
Most people reach their peak earning years in their 40s. If you’re in that sweet spot, your credit score may be the highest it’s ever been, and you also may have the most equity in your home. If that’s the case, then your two best financing options for aging-in-place renovations are home improvement loans and home equity loans.
Home improvement loans are personal loans taken out specifically for funding home renovations. These loans are unsecured and rely entirely on your credit score and credit history. You won’t have to tap into your home’s equity, nor put your home at risk. But since home improvement loans are unsecured, interest rates are generally higher than those of home equity products.
Home equity loans and HELOCs, on the other hand, turn your home’s available equity into cash, which you can then use toward renovations or whatever other expenses you’re dealing with. Since these loans are secured by your home, the interest rates should be lower than those of home improvement or personal loans.
Home improvement loans work best for short-term expenses and small amounts you know you can repay quickly, since repayment periods are usually anywhere from one to 10 years. Home equity loans and HELOCs usually come with repayment periods of anywhere from 15 to 30 years. If you are unsure if you will continue to live in your home past retirement, we recommend a home improvement loan.
I’m retired and on a fixed income
Best for you: Home equity loan/HELOC, government assistance, reverse mortgage
If you’re currently retired, you may already be in need of some accessibility renovations, like nonslip flooring (especially in the bathroom), grab bars around the toilets, a ramp or wider door for your walker or a low-rise tub or shower with a no-step entry. But how can you finance these renovations?
If you’re like many retirees, Social Security might be your only source of steady income. Though this could make it difficult to fund your necessary accessibility improvements, finding funding is not impossible.
Your best option may be to utilize the equity you’ve built up in your property or consider a reverse mortgage, also called a home equity conversion mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a type of loan that gives you money from your home equity in either a lump sum or regular monthly payments.
If you choose to tap into your home’s equity, make sure that you plan to remain in your home for at least another decade. Home equity loans and HELOCs have an average lifespan of 15 to 30 years, and a reverse mortgage will come due when the borrower either passes away, sells the home or permanently moves out.
You may also consider an FHA-backed improvement loan, like a Title 1 Property Improvement Loans or a 203(k) loan. Because each loan is insured by the federal government, you’ll likely get a lower rate than you would on other improvement loans or personal loans.
I’m moving in with a family member
Best for your loved one: Home equity loan/HELOC
Moving in with a family member or loved one may mean that you have fewer options for customizing your living space. It may not be the most ideal option for aging in place, but it gives you the chance to live with your loved ones and have a home within a home. To start, talk with your loved one about potential renovations to make the property safer and more accessible.
The most important changes will be in the room or suite you’ll be staying in. These can include things like:
Installing motion-activated lights or lighted switches.
Switching out doorknobs for levers.
Replacing tile with carpet or other nonslip flooring options.
Widening doorways for walkers and wheelchairs.
Removing blinds and hanging light window coverings to maximize natural light.
Installing handrails on or near the bed.
If they’re amenable to these smaller updates, you may also want to speak with your loved one about renovating any common areas. Open shelving in the kitchen, grab bars in the bathrooms and a ramp at the front stoop can all be small but effective adjustments to help you age safely in your new home. Lowering the sinks and countertops is also a good idea if possible.
Naturally, you’ll want to help your loved one pay for these renovations or cover them in full. If you’re selling your home before move-in, the sale proceeds can go toward any renovation costs you might encounter. If you’re not selling a property, you may consider a personal loan or a low-interest credit card to cover the costs.
If you’re on the other end of the equation — and an aging loved one is moving into your existing home — then carefully consider the space in which they’ll live. If you don’t have a dedicated room they can stay in, then you might consider adding a mother-in-law suite or accessory dwelling unit on the property.
If you do have an available room, make an effort to improve its accessibility before your loved one moves in. The small changes above are a great place to start, as are updates to the bathroom they’ll be using. These can include:
Adding a fold-down seat in the shower.
Installing handheld showerheads.
Adding grab bars in the bathtub and around the toilet.
Putting nonslip mats or tread in showers and tubs.
Installing a taller toilet.
A home equity loan can help you cover the costs of these improvements, as well as any your loved one may require later as they age. You may also consider a home equity line of credit, depending on your financial situation.
Aging in place during the coronavirus pandemic
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, more and more adults may wish to avoid assisted care facilities and instead age in place. With more restrictions around transportation and medical care, it is even more important to ensure that the appropriate accessibility measures are in place.
The good news is that rates on home improvement loans and home equity loans have fallen dramatically since the start of the pandemic. Qualification criteria is tighter, but you shouldn’t have a problem finding a loan if you have a good credit score and lots of equity in your home.
Accessibility notice
Our assistive guide was developed to accommodate the special needs of older homeowners. The content was created for complete interpretation by all readers including those with visual, hearing and other physical disabilities. It was built to work with voice assist and other assistive technologies.
This guide was published in conformance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, which can be found at http://www.w3.rg/TR/2008/REC-WCAG20-20081211/, and meets Level A conformance guidelines. Currently, we only claim conformance for the content specifically found on this webpage: https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/aging-in-place-renovations/
June 19, 2018
Healthy Eating
Choosing healthy foods is a smart thing to do—no matter how old you are! Maintaining a healthy weight and getting needed nutrients is one of the most important things you can do for healthy aging.
Articles
Good nutrition is part of healthy aging! Read about healthy eating and meal plans, and get 10 tips for choosing healthy foods and a healthy lifestyle.
Food groups include grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy, oils, and solid fats and added sugars. Learn about each group.
Make smart food choices—like choosing nutrient-dense foods over calorie-dense ones—for healthy aging. Learn how small substitutions can make a big difference.
Problems such as no appetite or difficulty chewing can keep older adults from eating healthy. Get problem-solving suggestions for common barriers.
How much food should you eat? Learn about servings and portion sizes for healthy nutrition and find healthy snack suggestions.
Eating healthy food on a budget starts with the right grocery list! These tips can help older people shop for nutritious food, even on a fixed income.
Balancing calories in and calories out is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Learn how physical activity and healthy eating can help.
The USDA Food Patterns can help you keep an eye on the calories you eat. For a balanced diet, choose healthy foods from five major food groups.
Older adults may have different vitamin and mineral needs than younger adults. Find recommended amounts and information on calcium, sodium, vitamin D, and more.
Healthy food doesn't have to be expensive. Get tips for saving money on foods costs and shopping for healthy food on a budget.
Nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fats can help you stay healthy as you age. Make sure you get the right amount of each.
Drinking enough fluids helps you digest food, absorb nutrients, and get rid of waste. Read these tips to help you get enough fluids.
Reading food labels can help you make smart food choices. Learn how to read and understand the product date, ingredients list, and nutrition facts label.
Practice food safety to avoid getting sick from your food. When cooking—clean, separate, cook, chill. Learn how.
Studies have shown that following the DASH diet can lower high blood pressure, or hypertension. Read about healthy eating and diet tips from the DASH plan.
Planning meals and making a shopping list can help you eat healthier. Check out these sample menus for older adults for healthy meal and snack ideas.
June 19, 2018
Aging in place
Learn how to age in place in your home by making changes to increase safety in the bathroom, kitchen, and on the stairs.
Has living at home become more challenging for your older family member? Learn about what to consider when helping them decide whether it's time to move.
Many older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. Get tips on planning ahead to stay in your home and ways to find the services you need.
Use these driving tips to stay safe as an older driver. Learn how aging affects driving and know when it's time to stop.
June 19, 2018
Learn how to get a good night's sleep with tips on when to go to bed, the best time to exercise, and how to not let your nap ruin your night.
Get caregiving tips for managing sleep problems in someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
It can be hard to get a good night's sleep when you're having hot flashes and other symptoms. Read for tips to help.
Learn about insomnia, sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and other sleep disorders. Get tips on how to fall asleep and sleep better.
Feb 10, 2018
Looking Young Secrets That Work
Feb 9, 2018
Feb 9, 2018
Best Products For Sensitive Skin
Feb 9, 2018
Shower Tips For Sensitive Skin
Feb 9, 2018
Sensitive Skin Care: Do I Really Need Different Products?
Feb 9, 2018
Feb 9, 2018
June 19, 2018
When caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, watch for these common medical problems, including fever, pneumonia, dehydration, incontinence, and falls.
Could you be constipated? Find out about possible causes, such as diet, exercise, and medications, and treatment for constipation.
June 19, 2018
Osteoarthritis
Learn about symptoms and treatment for osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease, and the most commonly affected areas, such as knees and hips.
June 19, 2018
Learn about osteoporosis—a disease that weakens bones—including risk factors, early signs and osteopenia, bone density testing, treatment, and prevention.
Connect with NIA
Sign up to receive updates
June 19, 2018
Want to know how to improve your bladder health? Find out what you can do with these 13 tips to keep your bladder healthy.
Read about types of urinary incontinence and common causes, and get tips for bladder control, treatment, and managing urinary incontinence in older adults.
Common bladder problems in older adults include urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, and bladder cancer. Learn about the signs and causes.
June 19, 2018
What is Parkinson’s disease? Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this brain disorder.
Know the symptoms of a stroke and when to call 911 right away. Learn about ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, TIA, or mini-strokes, and risk factors for stroke.
Stroke is the top cause of serious adult disability in the U.S. Learn about the causes of stroke and how you can lower your risk.
What causes lack of balance? Learn about balance problems and disorders, symptoms—such as dizziness, vertigo, and lightheadedness—and treatment options.
Explore these home safety tips to prevent falls, including simple changes in your living areas, personal and lifestyle changes, and home improvements.
June 19, 2018
Learn about the types of hearing loss common in older people, devices that can help you hear better, and tips to help people cope with hearing loss.
June 19, 2018
Depression
How do I talk about embarrassing topics with my doctor? These tips can help you bring up memory loss, sexuality, or feeling unhappy with your doctor.
Mourning someone close to you can leave you lost, sad, or angry. Get help for your grief and loss through grief counseling and support groups.
June 19, 2018
Read about changes to the heart and blood vessels that occur as people age. Learn how to know if you are having a heart attack and how to prevent heart disease through lifestyle changes.
June 19, 2018
Shingles Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Learn about the disease, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Share this infographic and help spread the word about shingles. Click on the social media icons above, or copy and paste the URL and post it to your account (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Shingles Learn about shingles and the varicella zoster virus, tips on how to treat post-herpetic neuralgia, and if you should get the shingles vaccine.
June 19, 2018
Menopause can lead to changes that can cause pain during sex and other issues. Read about these issues and options for treatment.
It can be hard to get a good night's sleep when you're having hot flashes and other symptoms. Read for tips to help.
Hot flashes may be mild or very disruptive. Lifestyle changes can help. Read about some treatment options.
Menopause can look different for every woman. Learn about the signs and symptoms of menopause.
Menopause affects every woman differently. Learn about the changes happening in your body as you go through the menopausal transition.
June 19, 2018
Learn about heat-related illnesses—hyperthermia (e.g., heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and more)—and seek help for symptoms of heat stroke.
June 19, 2018
Welcome to Alzheimers.gov, the government's portal for information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias care, research, and support.
Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's and Dementia Resources for Professionals
Dementia Research and Clinical Trials
In the News
Articles
Get the facts about Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.
This 4-minute video shows how Alzheimer’s affects the human brain and looks at promising ideas to treat and prevent the disease.
Find out how the Alzheimer's and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center can help you with answers and resources.
June 19, 2018
NIH
Two-year trial did not produce expected metabolic changes, but influenced other life span markers.
A National Institutes of Health-supported study providessome of the first clues about the impact of sustained calorie restriction in adults. Results from a two-year clinical trial show calorie restriction in normal-weight and moderately overweight people failed to have some metabolic effects found in laboratory animal studies. However, researchers found calorie restriction modified risk factors for age-related diseases and influenced indicators associated with longer life span, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin resistance. The study was reported in the September, 2015 issue of the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences.
Calorie restriction is a reduction in calorie intake without deprivation of essential nutrients. It has been shown to increase longevity and delay the progression of a number of age-related diseases in multiple animal studies. Called Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE), the randomized trial was funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, both part of NIH. It was conducted at Washington University in St. Louis, Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, and Tufts University in Boston. The study coordinating center was at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
“The study found that this calorie restriction intervention did not produce significant effects on the pre-specified primary metabolic endpoints, but it did modify several risk factors for age-related diseases. It is encouraging to find positive effects when we test interventions that might affect diseases and declines associated with advancing age,” notes NIA Director Richard J. Hodes, M.D. “However, we need to learn much more about the health consequences of this type of intervention in healthy people before considering dietary recommendations. In the meantime, we do know that exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and diet can contribute to healthy aging.”
In laboratory animals, calorie restriction’s favorable effects on life span have generally been found when it is begun in youth or early middle age. An equivalent trial in people would take decades. However, shorter trials can determine feasibility, safety and effects on quality of life, disease risk factors, predictors of life span and effects on mechanisms influenced by calorie restriction in laboratory animal studies. CALERIE was a two-year randomized controlled trial in 218 young and middle-aged healthy normal-weight and moderately overweight men and women to measure these outcomes in a CR group, compared with a control group who maintained their regular diets.
The calorie restriction participants were given weight targets of 15.5 percent weight loss in the first year, followed by weight stability over the second year. This target was the weight loss expected to be achieved by reducing calorie intake by 25 percent below one’s regular intake at the start of the study. The calorie restriction group lost an average of 10 percent of their body weight in the first year, and maintained this weight over the second year. Though weight loss fell short of the target, it is the largest sustained weight loss reported in any dietary trial in non-obese people. The participants achieved substantially less calorie restriction (12 percent) than the trial’s 25-percent goal, but maintained calorie restriction over the entire two-year period. The control group’s weight and calorie intake were stable over the period.
The study was designed to test the effects of calorie restriction on resting metabolic rate (after adjusting for weight loss) and body temperature, which are diminished in many laboratory animal studies and have been proposed to contribute to its effects on longevity. The study found a temporary effect on resting metabolic rate, which was not significant at the end of the study, and no effect on body temperature.
Although the expected metabolic effects were not found, calorie restriction significantly lowered several predictors of cardiovascular disease compared to the control group, decreasing average blood pressure by 4 percent and total cholesterol by 6 percent. Levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol were increased. Calorie restriction caused a 47-percent reduction in levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory factor linked to cardiovascular disease. It also markedly decreased insulin resistance, which is an indicator of diabetes risk. T3, a marker of thyroid hormone activity, decreased in the calorie restriction group by more than 20 percent, while remaining within the normal range. This is of interest since some studies suggest that lower thyroid activity may be associated with longer life span.
The study also assessed calorie restriction’s effects on mood (particularly hunger-related symptoms) and found no adverse effects. No increased risk of serious adverse clinical events was reported. However, a few participants developed transient anemia and greater-than-expected decreases in bone density given their degree of weight loss, reinforcing the importance of clinical monitoring during calorie restriction.
“The CALERIE results are quite intriguing. They show that this degree of sustained calorie restriction can influence disease risk factors and possible predictors of longevity in healthy, non-obese people. It will be important to learn how calorie restriction at this level affects these factors despite the lack of the predicted metabolic effects,” said Evan Hadley, M.D, director of NIA’s Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology and an author of the paper. “Since this group already had low risk factor levels at the start of the study, it’s important to find out whether these further reductions would yield additional long-term benefits. It also would be useful to discover if calorie restriction over longer periods has additional effects on predictors of health in old age, and compare its effects with exercise-induced weight loss.”
About the National Institute on Aging: The NIA leads the federal government effort conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The Institute’s broad scientific program seeks to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. For more information on research, aging, and health, go to www.nia.nih.gov.
About the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases: The NIDDK, a component of the NIH, conducts and supports research on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutrition and obesity; and kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases. Spanning the full spectrum of medicine and afflicting people of all ages and ethnic groups, these diseases encompass some of the most common, severe and disabling conditions affecting Americans. For more information about the NIDDK and its programs, see http://www.niddk.nih.gov.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
Reference
Ravussin, E., et al., A 2-Year Randomized Controlled Trial of Human Caloric Restriction: Feasibility and Effects on Predictors of Health Span and Longevity (link is external) . J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci (2015) 70 (9): 1097-1104. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glv057.
June 19, 2018
At a Glance
Experiments in mice revealed mechanisms that may help explain why bones become weaker in older adults.
A better understanding of these processes will inform strategies to develop novel therapies to reduce age-related bone loss.
A bone from a control mouse, top, compared to one from a Cbfβ-deficient mouse, bottom. The right column shows higher magnifications of the highlighted areas on the left. The Cbfβ-deficient images show reduced bone density and more white, round adipocytes.University of Alabama at Birmingham, PNAS
Bone is comprised of a mineral and protein scaffold filled with bone cells. This structure is continually broken down and renewed. When the rate of bone loss outpaces the rate of replacement, bones weaken, eventually leading to a condition known as osteoporosis. Many factors can contribute to osteoporosis, including aging, certain medications, and hormonal changes.
Osteoblasts, the cells that build bone, are derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow. These skeletal stem cells can also give rise to other types of cells, including fat cells. The bone marrow of older adults has fewer bone-building osteoblasts and more fat cells than that of younger people. The mechanisms responsible for these changes, however, are unknown.
A research team led by Drs. Yi-Ping Li and Wei Chen at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has been studying the signals that determine whether marrow mesenchymal stem cells develop, or “differentiate,” into osteoblasts or fat cells. In past work, the team found that a protein called Cbfβ is involved in osteoblast differentiation. Cbfβ is also involved in skeletal development and fracture healing.
In the current study, the team explored how Cbfβ affects marrow stem cell differentiation in mice. They deleted the Cbfβ gene at three different stages of osteoblast development: in mesenchymal stem cells, an intermediate stage, and early osteoblasts. The work was funded by NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Results appeared in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on September 19, 2017.
Cbfβ deficiency at all three stages of differentiation reduced bone density in the mice and dramatically increased their bone marrow fat content. Further testing confirmed that there were more fat cells in the bone marrow of the Cbfβ-deficient mice than the control mice. The bones of the Cbfβ-deficient mice resembled that of aged control mice. Cbfβ levels were also dramatically lower in the aged control mice than in younger control mice. These results suggest that a drop in Cbfβ could contribute to the age-related shift from osteoblast to fat cell production.
A series of lab experiments confirmed that, without Cbfβ, cells at any stage of osteoblast differentiation could switch to form fat cells. Cbfβ inhibits fat cell formation through an important cell signaling pathway called Wnt/β-catenin. It also inhibits expression of a gene that regulates adipose cell formation called c/ebpα. The team showed that Cbfβ plays a critical role in maintaining osteoblast lineage through both these mechanisms.
“Our data detail the underlying pathways that cause progenitor cells and early osteoblasts to create fat cells instead of bone-producing cells,” Li says. “They also suggest that maintaining Cbfβ might be an effective way to prevent age-associated osteoporosis in people.” However, this idea still needs to be tested in humans.
—by Harrison Wein, Ph.D.
June 19, 2018
Menopause Hyperthermia Shingles Heart health Depression Lewy-body dementia Advance care planning
Alzheimer's & Related Dementias
Learn about research, basics, and care for people with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Information on caring for older adults, advance care planning, and long-distance caregiving.
Clinical trials need older adults. Learn how you can be part of the next big breakthrough.
Learn how your brain changes as you age and what you can do to keep your cognitive function at its best.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Being active as you age can help maintain your independence. Go4Life today!
Tips for healthy eating, sample menus, eating plans, and more.
June 19, 2018
Age-related eye diseases and conditions
Since your 40s, you probably noticed that your vision is changing. Perhaps you need glasses to see up close or you have more trouble adjusting to glare or distinguishing some colors. These changes are a normal part of aging. These changes alone cannot stop you from enjoying an active lifestyle or stop you from maintaining your independence. In fact, you can live an active life well into your golden years without ever experiencing severe vision loss. But as you age, you are at higher risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions. These include: age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, low vision and dry eye.
Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Everyone age 50 or older should visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Many eye diseases have no early warning signs or symptoms, but a dilated exam can detect eye diseases in their early stages before vision loss occurs. Early detection and treatment can help you save your sight. Even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems, visit your eye care professional for a dilated eye exam. He or she will tell you how often you need to have one depending on your specific risk factors.
Common Age-related Eye Diseases and Conditions:
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. Learn more about AMD.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. Vision with cataract can appear cloudy or blurry, colors may seem faded and you may notice a lot of glare. Learn more about Cataract.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. The most common form is diabetic retinopathy which occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina. Learn more about Diabetic Eye Disease.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. It is usually associated with high pressure in the eye and affects side or peripheral vision. Learn more about Glaucoma.
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period of time. Learn more about Dry Eye.
Low Vision
Low vision means that even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people find everyday tasks difficult to do. Reading the mail, shopping, cooking, seeing the TV, and writing can seem challenging. But, many people with low vision are taking charge. Learn more about Low Vision.
Healthy Vision
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Age-Related Eye Diseases
Age-related eye diseases and conditions
Since your 40s, you probably noticed that your vision is changing. Perhaps you need glasses to see up close or you have more trouble adjusting to glare or distinguishing some colors. These changes are a normal part of aging. These changes alone cannot stop you from enjoying an active lifestyle or stop you from maintaining your independence. In fact, you can live an active life well into your golden years without ever experiencing severe vision loss. But as you age, you are at higher risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions. These include: age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, low vision and dry eye.
Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Everyone age 50 or older should visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Many eye diseases have no early warning signs or symptoms, but a dilated exam can detect eye diseases in their early stages before vision loss occurs. Early detection and treatment can help you save your sight. Even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems, visit your eye care professional for a dilated eye exam. He or she will tell you how often you need to have one depending on your specific risk factors.
Common Age-related Eye Diseases and Conditions:
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. Learn more about AMD.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. Vision with cataract can appear cloudy or blurry, colors may seem faded and you may notice a lot of glare. Learn more about Cataract.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. The most common form is diabetic retinopathy which occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina. Learn more about Diabetic Eye Disease.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. It is usually associated with high pressure in the eye and affects side or peripheral vision. Learn more about Glaucoma.
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period of time. Learn more about Dry Eye.
Low Vision
Low vision means that even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people find everyday tasks difficult to do. Reading the mail, shopping, cooking, seeing the TV, and writing can seem challenging. But, many people with low vision are taking charge. Learn more about Low Vision.