Sensory loss can lead to increased isolation and depression

()According to The University of Chicago, almost 94 percent of the older Americans have at least one impairment in their sense of taste and smell. While hearing loss and vision loss are common in seniors, other senses, such as taste, touch, or smell, can also be affected.

Although diminished senses can be considered minor nuisances, they can cause long-term problems, such as loneliness and feelings social isolation. The University of British Columbia studied the effects of hearing loss on seniors aged 60-69. They found that social isolation rates increase by 52 percent for every 10 decibels of hearing loss.

Untreated, the loss or impairment of senses can lead to depression and reduced quality of life. Family members should be aware of signs that an older person is losing their senses.

* Hearing: Signs of hearing loss can include difficulty following conversations, increased exhaustion following social interactions, trouble maintaining balance, feeling as if there is a buildup of wax or fluid in the ears, or continually increasing volume on television and radio programs.

* Sight: Visual impairment affects almost 3 million older adults in the United States. You may notice signs such as hesitance when climbing stairs, blurry vision, difficulty identifying familiar faces and objects, loss of interest reading mail, newspapers, or books.

* Touch: Weakened sensitivity to touch can also pose a hazard to seniors. The loss of ability to react to extremely hot or very cold surfaces could indicate that your sense of touch is declining. This can lead to injuries.

* Taste/Smell: Additionally, a diminished sense of taste and smell can also occur as we age. The University of Chicago estimates that 74% of older adults will experience impairments to their sense of taste and smell. Individuals can experience loss of appetite, loss in interest in food, or complete loss.

Home Instead Senior Care offers specialized training to its CAREGiversSM in order to better understand and identify signs of sensory impairment. This helps them provide the best possible care for seniors who are experiencing isolation and loneliness. You can find more information on sensory loss and support for your aging loved ones at caregiverstress.com. www.homeinstead.com/state.