Most older people with vision impairment or blindness are not aware that they can access services or devices that can make daily tasks more straightforward, and in some cases simply safer. Medications – something often prescribed for low vision, vision impairment, or other vision conditions – are one of these areas where a little assistance can go a long way toward providing privacy and independence.
 
Communicating drug information is a necessity. Blindness and vision impairment increases in adults, especially after age 75 (Prevent Blindness America, 2002). “People age 80 years and older currently make up 8% of the population but account for 69% of blindness (Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group, 2004).” Safety and nonadherence issues arise for these consumers. The lack of a national standard for labeling for this consumer base compromises their ability to read labels and information sheets, as well as determine color, shape, markings, and measuring devices and the number of refills left on a prescription. This problem is recognized by the US Veterans Affairs Office, which mandates that Audible Prescription Reading Devices are required to be provided for veterans needing this assistance. We could not locate in an online search a local or regional pharmacy that advertises this type of service and the related devices.
 
Useful sites for those wishing to pursue improved services for loved ones or other individuals in their care:

• ScripTalk Talking Prescription Labels are designed to help pharmacists better serve low vision or blind patients using a smartphone app or a ScripTalk Station Reader. A tag that uses RFID technology is placed on the bottom of the container that allows patients to hear all their vital prescription information and is available in in 25 languages.
• Accessible Pharmacy is a fairly new service, kicked off in 2020, where accessibility and reduction of barriers are the primary focus combined with a sense of hospitality. The company offers services, including assistance from those who can see and free home delivery for prescriptions, medical devices and over-the-counter medications. A packaging and labeling menu for prescriptions includes Braille, large print, and audio — all free of charge. Talking medical devices are also available, such as blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, blood glucose meters and monitors.
• The American Foundation for the Blind, and its component for older consumers, have embarked on the Rx Label Enable campaign.
• The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation develops practical interventions for improving medication use in the older adult population.
• US Veterans Affairs provides guidance and fact sheets for all low vision services, including ScripTalk.

 
ASI’s website provides a wide variety of resources on aging, active engagement, provider and caregiver education, and information about ASI programs in Archuleta County, as well as contact information for making reservations at The Community Café for take-out and for Meals on Wheels.

Famously, Jane Brody provides some pithy advice that we all understand but find it hard to put into practice, “The secret to successful aging is to recognize one’s issues and adapt accordingly.” Physical activity is well-known for improving our quality of life on so many levels. So let’s consider what stops us from getting the level of activity that will help keep us physically fit and mentally sharp. 

A new paper from Mather Institute gives some insight into why the “majority of older adults—many of whom understand the importance of physical activity for their ongoing health and independence—do not participate in regular activity.” A few items from the report might help to spark ideas for your setting. 

• • Outreach materials work as the primary motivator for adults 60 and better. If you run a fitness program that works with this audience, consider how your outreach is working. During the pandemic, with most everything shut down, have you been able to make accommodations and keep your participants active? 
• • Fear of injury and mobility limitations are valid concerns when individuals do not know how to exercise safely and effectively. Options include “exercising indoors when the weather is poor, resistance training, knowledge of malnutrition, intellectual training, and other health-related topics.” 
• • A significant motivator can be reframing exercise as a facilitator for improved function due to the benefits that exercise brings for managing pain or chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, extended recovery time, and overall poor health. 

Whatever activity you choose, it needs to be interesting and fun for the participants. As we work toward getting our own in-person health and education programs back open, you can find low-impact, online options for in-home exercise on our website through our alliance with Mather.

Our site also provides a wide variety of resources on aging, active engagement, provider and caregiver education, and information about ASI programs in Archuleta County, as well as contact information for making reservations at The Community Café for take-out and for Meals on Wheels. 

Vision and hearing loss affect our brains. When these changes go untreated, it becomes harder for us to comprehend what our eyes are seeing and our ears are hearing. This impact takes an unfortunate toll on cognitive function and our emotional and physical well-being. The loss does not have to be profound to make a significant impact. 

The additional work the brain has to do to process information in a new way is taking a real toll:

• Untreated hearing and vision loss can increase the risk of dementia, as well as reduction in attention, language use, memory, and the ability to identify and locate objects in space.
• Depth perception and the capacity to distinguish contrast (light/dark) make it harder to accomplish daily tasks.
• These factors increase the risk of falls.
• Declining cognitive function in turn leads to less awareness of whether hearing aids or glasses are effectively correcting the loss.

Conversely, correcting or supporting vision and hearing loss is good for our brains and by extension our long term well-being. Moderators are new cues that we can use in our daily environment to improve how we live our lives and better manage with our changing eyes and ears. Steps you can take include simple solutions, such as:

• Regular vision and hearing exams – every year is best. More often if your doctor recommends it due to a specific risk factor, such as glaucoma or diabetes.
• High contrast strips on stairs, dark color toilet seats that improve contrast, and use of mugs that are in high contrast to the liquid being served.
• Low-vision rehabilitation which is like physical therapy with the purpose of developing “strategies to maximize or substitute for diminished sight in order to maintain independence and a sense of self-worth.”
• Access to audio books for those who become unable to read the written word.
• Speak face-to-face with people and reduce background noise whenever possible.

 
Think bigger as well – when someone falls due to poor vision and has a major health impact, the medical and social costs to that individual and their family far outstrip the effort needed to make smaller accommodations before an accident occurs.
 
Our website provides a wide variety of resources on aging, active engagement, provider and caregiver education, and information about ASI programs in Archuleta County, as well as contact information for making reservations at The Community Café for take-out and for Meals on Wheels.