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Researchers now find that that elderly individuals who suffer from untreated poor vision could be at greater risk for dementia. Many seniors lack health insurance to cover the cost of eye exams, and could consequently be at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

Compared to elders who had not visited an ophthalmologist, seniors who kept up with treatment for poor vision were sixty four percent less likely to develop dementia according to findings extracted from the Health and Retirement Study and records from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Researcher Mary A.M. Rogers, PhD, research assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School says, “Our results indicate that it is important for elderly individuals with visual problems to seek medical attention so that the causes of the problems can be identified and treated.”

Correcting poor vision from cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders and other eye problems among seniors were most likely to lower the chances of dementia. Vision loss in the elderly interferes with activities needed to maintain a healthy brain, including reading, board games, and regular exercise.

The authors also note that lack of insurance could be interfering with seniors obtaining regular eye exams. Rogers points out that “Many elderly Americans do not have adequate health coverage for vision, and Medicare does not cover preventative vision screenings for most beneficiaries. So it’s not unusual that the elderly receive vision treatment only after a problem is severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctor when the problem is more advanced.”

Rogers also says Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise, “So if we can delay the onset of dementia, we can save individuals and their families from the stress, cost and burden that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.”
The study was based on surveys that included medical information from 625 people showed that just ten percent of elderly individuals who developed dementia had excellent vision at the start of the study. Seniors who remained dementia free maintained excellent vision throughout the 1992 to 2005 study, providing the link between untreated vision problems and dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is expected to occur in 13 million people by 2050, and one in five individuals over age 50 has a vision problem. The new findings suggest that treating vision problems in the elderly could reduce the burden of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease on individuals and family members, and ultimately save money related to health care spending.

By:Kathleen Blanchard RN

Many folks anticipate their retirement from a 9-5 job as liberation, time to begin living, probably in pursuit of some hobby or creative activity in which their time has been restricted not by desire but by the exigencies of work and family demands. But retirement often looms large and forbidding to the Type A person whose worth has always been gauged by the degree and amount of work achieved. Those retired men and women who seem unsettled, at odds and even depressed with excess time on their hands are the ones without a passion, without a hobby that can channel their energy and feed their egos in some way.

So you admit you may fit in the above category and you’re in the market for some fun? Okay, but what constitutes a hobby? Is family life a hobby? For someone who has had to limit the amount of time playing with new grandchildren or even developing deeper relationships with adult children, a spouse or aging parent or sibling, change from practicing to correct the limitations of the past can certainly be considered a worthwhile hobby indeed. If a retired person gets enthused about finding more ways to interact with family, that can well become a hobby, an abiding interest that can lead to a richer, fuller life. Those who have no hobby at retirement age should not despair. It’s never to late to pick one up, or even two or three or four.

ART this includes drawing, painting, sculpture. A trip to an art supply store can introduce you to supplies needed, and perhaps even a schedule of classes available in your area. One person took up oil painting a year before she retired, going for weekly lessons. She continued the lessons for three years, and now is always ready to pull out a small canvas and her oil paints to capture the flowers on the table, the bowl of fruit or the scene out the window in the fall. There are other aspects of art that can add up to great hobbies in addition to making art.

How about collecting ART? Beginning collectors can study the art collection scene, travel to galleries, take courses, even plan fun and exciting trips to other venues here and abroad in hopes of acquiring pieces of art according to their budget. You don’t have to be a millionaire to acquire art, either. Buy small canvases from summer painters who display their work at shoreline or resort shows, or even check out showings at local colleges and high schools Two of my favorite paintings are watercolors done by high school students”"they’re fresh, novel, bright and alive. They aren’t Picasso, but they’re original, and they were fun to acquire. Acquiring fine art accents ART appreciation, too, another general category for revving up a latent interest.

BIRDWATCHING seems to appeal to older people I know, particularly men. More retired fellows than I can shake a stick at have invested in fancy birdfeeders of every kind, and make it a daily task to fill the feeders, supply the suet, and keep an eye out for old and new friends on the perches. Bird books help the novice or the experienced watcher to identify and understand the feathered flocks. But bird-watching need not be a sedentary habit. Some folks join in extensive bird counts through the Audubon Society and other groups, hiking through the woods or perching on a river bank in spring to spot American Bald Eagles or other raptors, songbirds or others. In any case, learning more about birds can be exciting. There are raptor centers in Vermont and other states that deserve a visit as part of your bird-watching education. Birds are a neglected but fascinating part of nature’s beauty around us.

COLLECTING Many people set aside their earliest collections at some point in midlife when they are too busy to pursue it. Whether it’s salt and pepper shakers from every state in the union, or books by a particular author, even first editions, or stamps, coins, Beanie Babies or antiques of one sort or another, collections can be fun, even obsessing. You might want to find new ways to mount or display your collection now that you have more time. Or refine your collection as you age, discarding a bulk of items and focusing on a few more cherished ones, but in either case, the balance of free time and a little discretionary spending money can lead to new challenges on the collecting scene and allow you to leave something of economic worth and perhaps even sentimental value to your heirs.

DANCE An older couple I know took up choreographed ballroom dancing shortly before they retired, which eased them into a busy schedule of weekly dances and even trips across the region and the country for special dance weekends. They made new friends in their new hobby, too. Single older people can take up line dancing, or modern dancing”"all healthy for remaining limber and flexible in later years. Besides, doing anything to music can be enlightening and relaxing.

GARDENING is almost always the hobby by default for people who have property with lawns, gardens and trees. If you’re in this boat, why not choose an element of gardening around your land that appeals to you, but about which you need to learn more? For example, you might want to undertake a perennial bed, if previously you only grew annual flowers. Or you might want to try cultivating dwarf fruit trees if previously you only grew vegetables, or a rock garden if you have a spot you could never cultivate at all. Make it a challenge, learn something, and grow something beautiful. Off season can be the time for learning, studying, ordering, and plotting, spring, summer and fall, for the growing/harvesting. Gardening, most people find, provides excellent exercise and the rewards are endless.

JOIN a club, a hobby group, a political party, a class at your local evening school. Or a prayer group, a choir, a choral group or dining out club. They’re just plain fun, and having your social occasions scheduled by a group will be just the challenge you need to get out and join the fun”"whether you’re single or with a partner.

KITE-FLYING is one sure way to feel like a kid again. There are hundreds of models, from basic to very complex box and other styles, including double and triple kits with amazing color and beauty, all kinds of skills to learn, even kites to build and kiting organizations to join and gather with during high kiting season. Try it, or at least look for notice of some nearby kite conventions in the summer and attend”"bring your camera along, you’ll be impressed.

LANDS AND PEOPLE, in other words, travel can be a whole occupation for the retired. Much of the travel industry is geared to attracting and keeping older travelers who have the flexibility of time and some spending money available. Where have you always wanted to go? Is it viable? Do you have someone to travel with, or would you enjoy being a loner? Perhaps group travel in an organized tour is your cup of tea, or a cruise, where packing and unpacking are unnecessary.

Every older person I know who has visited Great Britain, whether on their own or as part of a tour, has raved about the experience. The British and Irish seem to know how to treat their elders well. Trips to U. S. and Canadian destinations are also popular. Hawaii, Alaska and Florida are always a treat, in the right season. Or if you’re more adventurous than that, try Eastern Europe, a musical tour of Vienna, or an Italian hiatus on the Amalfi coast or in splendid Tuscany. The opportunities are limitless.

Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the following recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

A Healthy Eating Plan:

• Emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products

• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts.

• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars.

Make Your Calories Count

Think nutrient-rich rather than “good” or “bad” foods. The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients—and lower in calories. Most older adults need fewer calories than in younger years. Making smart food choices can help you stay healthy, manage your weight and be physically active.

Focus on Variety

Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups to get the nutrients your body needs. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned. Include more dark green vegetables such as leafy greens and broccoli and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Vary your protein choices with more fish, beans and peas. And, eat at least 3 ounces of whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta every day.

Know Your Fats

Look for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Most of the fats you eat should be polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Check the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels for total fat and saturated fat.

Physical Activity for Fitness and Health

Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness. Set a goal to be physically active at least 30 minutes every day. You can break up your physical activity into 10 minute sessions throughout the day. If you are currently inactive, start with a few minutes of activity such as walking. Then gradually increase the minutes as you become stronger.

How Many Calories Do I Need?

The number of calories you need each day depends on your age, gender and activity level. The estimated calorie needs for adults age 51 and older are listed in the chart below.

For women who are:

Sedentary (not active) 1,600 calories per day

Moderately active 1,800 calories per day

Active 2,000 calories per day

For men who are:

Sedentary (not active) 2,000 calories per day

Moderately active 2,200 to 2,400 calories per day

Active 2,400 to 2,800 calories per day