Are Your Senses Sending You an SOS?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 30, 2024
As you journey into and through your golden years, you’re bound to notice some changes in how you experience the world.
You may have found yourself turning up the volume on the TV more often or holding the newspaper at arm’s length to read it.
Well, you’re not alone… but there’s more to these changes than meets the eye.
And ignoring them could come at a steep cost.
You’re in good company if you’ve noticed changes in how you see, hear, or even smell things. In fact, up to 94 percent of U.S. adults experience some dulling of their senses over time.
It’s a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore it.
Now, you might think these changes are just minor annoyances, but researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine say that’s often not the whole truth. In fact, they’ve found that this fading of your senses can significantly affect your mental health.
The team studied nearly 4,000 older adults over 10 years. They looked at changes in vision, hearing, and smell and how these related to mental health.
Here’s what they found:
- When more than one sense starts to decline, it can lead to loneliness and affect mental well-being.
- If three senses are affected, you might be more prone to experiencing depression.
- Vision problems, in particular, seemed to have the strongest link to feeling lonely and having poorer mental health.
Understanding this connection is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps you take better care of yourself and others. Plus, it encourages you to pay more attention to changes in your senses. And finally, it reveals that taking care of your senses is also a way of taking care of your mental health.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to help yourself and those you care about…
- Be patient with yourself and your peers who might be struggling with sensory changes.
- Feel free to ask people to speak more clearly or to use written notes for important information.
- Have your vision and hearing tested regularly.
- Explore helpful tech like hearing aids, magnifiers, or text-to-speech programs.
- Advocate for policies that make public spaces more accessible for everyone.
So, don’t feel bad the next time you find yourself squinting at a menu or asking someone to repeat themselves.
Remember, these changes are a natural part of aging, and it’s okay to ask for some extra support from time to time. Because when you do, you can continue to live a full, connected, and happy life well into your golden years.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
Common Mineral Supports a Steel Trap Memory
Memory slips bothering you? A common mineral could be the secret ingredient to supporting cognitive function WELL into the Golden Years.
The Shocking Chemical Lurking in Your Breakfast Bowl
A startling new study found a dangerous chemical could be hiding in your breakfast, and chances are you’re already consuming it.
The Unexpected Organ Behind Your Brain Fog
In some cases, what looks like dementia could actually be a sign of ANOTHER organ crying out for help. Click through for the surprising details.
Surprising Sign Could Reveal Cognitive Decline
Concerned about cognitive decline? Stop worrying about brain burps and focus on THIS surprising sign instead.
Mailbag: Decoding Hand Tremors
While tremors can sometimes be a sign of Parkinson’s, there are quite a few other potential causes that are far more common and often harmless.
The Sleep Aid Secretly Protecting Your Brain
A groundbreaking new study suggests that melatonin isn’t just a sleep aid. It’s also a powerful brain defender. And HOW it does it, is kind of wild.
“Rise and Shine” Energy Hack Transforms Your ENTIRE Day
This all-natural hack improves sleep quality and lets you kickstart your day with a burst of energy that lasts until bedtime. Here’s how it works…
P.S. Are hearing aids worth it? Click for the warning you need to see!
Source:
Alexander Z. Wang, Kristen E. Wroblewski, Louise Hawkley, Jayant M. Pinto. Types of sensory disability are differentially associated with mental health in older US adults over time. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2024; DOI: 10. 1111 /jgs.19056
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...