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
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...
This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss
Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...
“Banned in Europe” Food Additive Triggers Hormone Chaos
If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright white frosting on a cookie or vibrantly colored candy, you’ve likely consumed titanium dioxide. This common food additive, used to make products look more appealing, is now at the center of a growing health debate. Titanium dioxide is essentially makeup for food—a white powder that enhances colors and makes...
Your Phone Is DESTROYING Your Brain—Here's How to Fight Back
Ever notice how—after a day of bouncing between your phone, computer, and TV—your brain feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton? You may struggle to remember what you need at the store, fumble for words, or stare blankly at your crossword puzzle. It’s not because you’re getting older—it’s what your devices are doing to your...