Dexterity

I. Sensory changes related to difficulty performing everyday activities

The chart below illustrates the changes that occur as we age and the functional consequences they have on activity performance.

Aging-Related Changes

Functional Consequences

Hearing

Thickening of ear drum

Decreased sensory receptors inner ear

Degeneration auditory nerve

Diminished ability to hear and discriminate high pitched tones

Reduced speech recognition, especially consonants

Difficulty hearing conversation, doorbells and sirens

Touch

Decreased sensitivity touch

receptors

Slowing of nerve impulse transmission

Decreased response to tactile stimuli

Decreased pain, pressure sensitivity

Decreased sensitivity to temperature extremes and difficulty responding fast enough to prevent burns

Source: Adapted from Using Technology to Promote Independence for Older Adults-A RERC-Aging Workshop, NIDRR