Sensory Changes in Later Life. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication. PNW 196. Revised.

This booklet is designed to help persons who have elderly family members or who work with older adults understand and help compensate for the sensory changes that occur in later life. It contains sections on vision, hearing, taste and smell, and touch. Discussed in the section on vision are the following: common age-related changes, eye diseases or conditions, low vision aids, suggestions for helping individuals experiencing loss of vision or severe vision problems, types of eye care professionals, and related resource materials and organizations. The section on hearing includes information on these topics: types of hearing loss, reactions to hearing loss, ways of helping persons with hearing loss, sources of medical help, and the benefits and use of hearing aids. Included in the section on taste and smell are a description of common age-related changes in senses of touch and smell and ways of helping persons with taste or smell disorders. Age-related changes in sense of touch, precautionary measures to compensate for changes in sense of touch, and "touch hunger" are examined in the section on touch. The importance of attitude in coping with age-related sensory changes is emphasized. Concluding the booklet is a listing of related extension service publications on aging and aging-related problems. (MN)