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Aging and Technology Research

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School of Public Health and Health Professions

Study Modules > Module IV: Sensory: Vision and Taste/Smell

Everyone wants to live a long life with an independent lifestyle. Yet no one wants to think about getting older and needing help with activities of daily living. The definition of old age is very much debatable. A grandfather may be considered young at the age of 45, while an athlete at the same age would be considered old. The most important part about aging is our attitude about the process and how well we prepare and adapt to its changes.

Although we experience physical changes throughout our lifespan, we find it more difficult to accept the changes that occur later in life. Sensory changes occur as we age which affects how we function and perform our daily activities. In Module IV, we will discuss the sensory changes related to vision, taste and smell. Assistive technology and home modifications can increase the caregiver’s and care recipient’s performance and safety while performing all ADLs. In this module, we cover from commonly used assistive devices to newer devices on the market. The devices illustrated in this module are used to serve as examples only for the type of devices that are available to help the caregiver and care recipient to compensate for sensory decline. It is not our intent to recommend these devices over other devices available on the market.

Selection criteria of assistive devices in this module are in the order of: 1. suitability for various levels of physical and cognitive impairments, 2. ability to ease physical stress for the caregivers, 3. easy availability, 4. great usability and convenient storage, 5. esthetic. 6. variety of prices, and 7. novelty to the market.

This material covers:

  1. Sensory Changes Related to the Aging Process and Their Effects on Functional Independence
  2. Vision
    1. Common Vision Problems
      1. Presbyopia
      2. Floaters
      3. Glare
      4. Tearing
      5. Blepharitis
      6. Night Vision
    2. Visual Conditions and Disorders
      1. Cataracts
      2. Glaucoma
      3. Macular Degeneration
      4. Diabetic Retinopathy
    3. Other Causes of Vision Problems: (Stroke, Medication)
  3. Vision Devices
    1. Magnifiers (low-tech)
      1. hand-held
      2. free-standing
      3. hands-free
      4. tweezers with magnifier
      5. lamps with magnifier "Big Eye"
      6. syringe with magnifier
    2. Magnifiers (high-tech)
      1. Pocket Viewer
      2. Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)
    3. TV Remotes
      1. TV Partner (Big Button)
      2. Accenda Voice Activated
    4. Clocks
      1. Talking Clock
      2. Large face with date orientation
    5. Thermostats
      1. Talking
      2. Large digital display
    6. Vision Devices for Health Management
      1. Talking Personal Thermometer
      2. Talking Prescription
    7. ADL Devices for Low Vision
      1. Bath Alarm
      2. Color Indicator
    8. IADL Audible Devices
      1. Liquid Indicator
      2. Talking Cell Phone Software
  4. Environmental Modification for Vision
  5. Smell and Taste Sensory Changes
    1. Safety and Warning Devices
      1. Smoke detectors with shake up and strobe lights
      2. Carbon monoxide detectors
  6. References
  7. Resources for Vision Devices
  8. Environment: Problems & Potention Interventions

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