In line with the aging population in Arizona and the rest of the United States, older adults in Sedona represent a significant portion of the city’s total population. The US Census Bureau estimates that 38.6% of Sedona residents are aged 65 and over, with the age group increasing at a dramatically faster rate than other cohorts. Different factors contribute to this trend, such as increased life expectancy and the in-migration of retirees.
Since old age increases the likelihood of developing health conditions, seniors in Sedona are advised to take better care of their bodies, including their eyes. Various eye diseases are age-related and must be treated and managed properly to prevent vision loss. Eye problems may also serve as warning signs for chronic health conditions like heart disease and hypertension, further underscoring the importance of protecting seniors’ eye health. Continue reading to learn why and how seniors in Sedona must prioritize their eye health to improve overall health outcomes in their 60s and beyond.
Why eye health is crucial in old age
It’s common for seniors to experience vision changes since the eye’s internal structures also age, affecting their ability to process visual information and see clearly. These vision changes typically include dry eyes, blurred or double vision, oversensitivity to light, and decreased visual acuity.
Although these may seem minor at first, the National Council on Aging emphasizes that not all gradual or sudden visual disturbances are a normal part of aging. For one, they may increase the risk of age-related eye diseases that require proper medical intervention to prevent vision loss. Considering Arizona’s overall vision disability rate was 2.7% in 2022, Sedona’s elderly population must be aware of these common age-related eye diseases and be more proactive with their eye health.
Among these are cataracts, the cloudy or opaque areas in the eye’s lens that may cause blurry vision, increased glare, and decreased contrast sensitivity. Another example is glaucoma, characterized by optic nerve damage due to increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the US, following macular degeneration, which affects the light-sensitive macula of the retina and blurs one’s central vision.
Lastly, aging eyes may also contribute to refractive changes like presbyopia, an eye condition that makes it challenging for seniors to focus on nearby objects. Since these vision problems and conditions can ultimately impact seniors’ health and quality of life, they are advised to adopt the eye care tips in the following section to preserve their eyesight even in later life.
How seniors in Sedona can care for their eyes
Get regular eye exams
Eye examinations from qualified optometrists and ophthalmologists are key to determining whether the vision changes seniors experience are expected with aging or require serious medical attention. Thus, the American Optometric Association recommends that adults aged 65 and over get their eyes checked annually, whether they are asymptomatic or at-risk due to factors like a family history of eye disease.
Although the Medicaid program makes eye exams more accessible in the US, Arizona is one of seven states without coverage for exams under both fee-for-service and managed care policies. Thus, seniors in Sedona may instead schedule an appointment at nearby optical retailers that offer free or affordable eye exams, such as LensCrafters and Southwestern Eye Center.
Wear the right glasses
Corrective eyewear is one of the most common interventions for age-related eye conditions. However, seniors must ensure they wear the right type of glasses suited to their refractive changes. For example, those with presbyopia should consider wearing reader glasses with lens magnification to accommodate their near-vision needs.
These readers are accessible on the retailer Readers.com, which provides lens powers of up to +3.75 and frame styles suitable for any age and gender. Additionally, seniors may bundle their readers in Multipacks to keep a pair on hand for special occasions and daily tasks like reading and using electronic devices. Meanwhile, older adults diagnosed with other refractive conditions like myopia and astigmatism are advised to wear prescription glasses available at in-person and online retailers like Target Optical.
Prioritize diet and nutrition
Although age can play a crucial role in the development and progression of eye diseases, seniors may reduce their eye health risks by paying attention to diet and nutrition. To start, seniors may prioritize eye-healthy nutrients that protect their ocular structures from aging, stress, and oxidative damage. Such nutrients include lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found in leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli.
Eating healthy to take better care of the eyes also involves avoiding processed foods high in refined sugars, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium. A previous post notes that these unhealthy foods are a major contributor to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, which affect 11% and 29.7% of Arizona’s population, respectively. These diseases can affect the eyes through diabetic retinopathy and increased eye pressure, the primary risk factor for glaucoma
Exercise regularly
Physical activity is generally beneficial for physical health, including the eyes. For example, cardiovascular exercises can improve blood circulation in the eyes and help maintain the health and function of the retinal cells.
However, seniors in Sedona must consider using exercise equipment adapted to their age to accommodate strength and mobility issues, prevent injury, and ensure overall safety. Examples include lightweight dumbbells to avoid straining their sensitive muscles and tendons, stability balls that provide balance and support, and yoga mats to ensure comfort and reduce extra pressure on the knees and wrists.
Overall, seniors don’t have to wait until they start experiencing vision problems to protect their eyes. Early detection and management are key to preventing vision loss and impairment in later life, making the tips mentioned above a crucial part of every Sedona senior’s lifestyle. Continue reading Sedona.Biz for more relevant news and articles on health, wellness, and living in Sedona
Article written by Roseanne Jennings