2.4. Explain sensory changes that occur during the ageing process

This guide will help you answer 2.4. Explain sensory changes that occur during the ageing process.

The ageing process can cause noticeable changes in the sensory systems of the body. Humans rely on their senses for daily interactions and activities, and changes to these senses can have significant effects. The sensory systems include vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. In this guide, we cover how each sense is affected by ageing.

Changes in Vision

Ageing can lead to several changes in vision. These changes can make it harder for older adults to perform tasks like reading, recognising faces, or moving safely in low light. Common visual changes include:

• Presbyopia – This is a loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. Small print may be harder to read, making glasses necessary for activities such as reading.
• Reduced pupil size – The pupil becomes less responsive to light. This makes it more difficult to see in low-light conditions or adjust to sudden brightness.
• Dry eyes – As people age, tear production can decrease, leading to inadequate eye lubrication. This causes discomfort, a scratchy sensation, or blurred vision.
• Cataracts – The lens in the eye becomes cloudy, making vision blurry or foggy.
• Macular degeneration – The central part of the retina (macula) can deteriorate, causing central vision loss. This affects activities like reading, driving, and recognising faces.
• Glaucoma – Increased pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve, leading to peripheral vision loss.
• Reduced depth perception – Judging distances accurately becomes harder, increasing the likelihood of trips and falls.

Changes in vision may require adjustments, including prescriptions for glasses or surgery, such as cataract removal.

Changes in Hearing

Many older adults experience hearing loss, known as presbycusis, as they age. Hearing changes can significantly affect communication and social interactions. Hearing changes include:

• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds – Voices of children and women or high-frequency noises like alarms may become hard to hear.
• Difficulty distinguishing speech – Understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments, becomes challenging as background noise might drown out speech sounds.
• Tinnitus – This is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears that others cannot hear.
• Reduced sound sensitivity – Sounds may seem muffled, and it may be difficult to hear faint noises.

Loss of hearing can lead to social isolation for some people, as communication becomes more effortful. Hearing aids or other assistive devices can improve quality of life.

Changes in Taste

With age, the sense of taste can weaken. This is partly due to a reduced number of taste buds on the tongue, which decreases the ability to detect certain flavours. Additional factors related to reduced taste include:

• Reduced sensitivity to sweet and salty tastes – These sensations are often less noticeable, making food seem bland.
• Medication side effects – Some medications taken by older adults can affect the taste buds or cause dry mouth, both of which can dull the sense of taste.
• Decreased saliva production – Saliva is essential for dissolving food particles and spreading flavours over the taste buds. Dryness in the mouth can reduce the ability to taste.
• Illness or medical conditions – Conditions such as diabetes and oral infections may impact the taste receptors.

Changes in taste can reduce appetite and lead to poor nutrition. Adding flavour to food with herbs and spices may help compensate for taste loss.

Changes in Smell

The sense of smell deteriorates with age. This decline, called presbyosmia, is part of the natural ageing process. Older adults might notice:

• Decreased ability to detect odours – They may find it harder to smell fragrances, food aromas, or unpleasant odours like smoke or gas leaks.
• Loss of certain scent sensitivity – Certain smells, such as floral fragrances or cooking smells, may fade more quickly than others.
• Changes in odour perception – Some odours might smell different or become distorted.

A reduced sense of smell can affect appetite and the ability to enjoy meals. It may also increase safety risks, as detecting smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food becomes challenging.

Changes in Touch

The sense of touch also undergoes changes as people age. These changes can affect sensitivity to pain, temperature, and texture. Common changes include:

• Reduced sensitivity to temperature – Older adults may become less aware of extreme heat or cold, putting them at risk of burns or hypothermia.
• Decreased ability to feel pain – This can delay seeking help for injuries or medical conditions.
• Thinning skin – Older skin becomes less protective and more prone to cuts, bruises, and pressure sores.
• Reduced nerve function – Nerve endings responsible for transmitting touch signals become less effective, making it harder to sense light touches or vibrations.
• Weakened grip or tactile sensation – Handling small objects or detecting fine details may become more difficult.

These changes can affect daily activities, such as writing, using tools, or dressing, and may increase the chance of accidents.

Impact on Daily Life

Sensory changes can lead to difficulties in performing everyday tasks. For example:

• Vision issues can make driving or climbing stairs unsafe.
• Hearing loss may cause frustration during conversations, reducing social engagement.
• Taste and smell changes can result in poor appetite and restricted diet.
• Touch changes may lead to unawareness of injuries or discomfort from cold or heat.

Adjustments or aids like magnifying lenses, hearing aids, textured handles, or flavour enhancers can help manage these changes.

Psychological Effects

Loss of sensory abilities doesn’t just affect physical capabilities; it can also have a psychological impact. Older adults may feel:

• Frustrated or isolated when others need to speak louder or repeat themselves.
• Vulnerable due to an increased risk of accidents or not recognising potential dangers around them.
• Less confident in social settings, avoiding gatherings or activities they once enjoyed.

Supportive family members, professionals, and assistive technologies can promote independence and improve mental well-being.

Improving Sensory Health

Certain strategies and habits can help minimise or manage sensory changes:

• Early detection – Regular eye and hearing tests help identify problems early. Early intervention can prevent sensorial decline from worsening.
• Healthy lifestyle – A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s supports eye, ear, and nerve health.
• Stop smoking – Smoking accelerates sensory decline, particularly in taste, smell, and vision.
• Protective measures – Avoid loud noises, wear sunglasses, and use hand warmers in cold weather to protect your senses.
• Stay active – Physical activity improves circulation, nourishing sensory organs and nerves.

Professional advice and assistive devices can enable older adults to adapt to sensory changes.