Persistent or severe sleep problems, however, should not simply be dismissed as “getting older.” Conditions such as sleep apnea can affect sleep quality and deserve medical evaluation.
## 5\. Vision and Hearing May Gradually Change
The senses can also change over time.
Many people experience age-related changes in vision, such as needing more light to read or having greater difficulty focusing on close objects.
Hearing can also gradually change, particularly with prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
These changes may occur so slowly that someone doesn’t immediately recognize them.
A man might turn up the television without realizing why. He might have difficulty following conversations in crowded restaurants. He may find himself holding reading material farther away.
Regular vision and hearing evaluations can help identify changes and determine whether corrective measures could improve everyday life.
There is nothing embarrassing about using glasses or hearing assistance.
The goal is to stay connected with the world.
