Sensory Changes in Aging

Age-related sensory change is usually gradual and affects more than one system. The change may be noticeable first as reduced function rather than as a complete loss: print becomes harder to read, speech becomes less distinct in a crowded room, a dim hallway feels unsafe, or food seems less flavorful. Vision changes reflect several mechanisms. The lens becomes less flexible, making near focus more difficult. A smaller pupil and a yellowing lens reduce the amount and quality of light reaching the retina. As a result, an older adult may need brighter, evenly distributed lighting, take longer to adjust after glare, have less contrast between objects and their background, or misjudge depth. These changes can affect stairs, curbs, medication labels, and driving even when a person can still read a standard eye chart. Age-related hearing loss commonly develops slowly and affects higher-frequency sounds first. Consonants such as /s/, /f/, and /t/ may become difficult to distinguish, especially when several people are speaking. The patient may hear that someone is talking but miss the meaning. Increasing the volume alone often does not...