Sensory alterations are categorized as changes in a person’s senses to receive, process, and respond to sensory stimuli from their surroundings. These alterations can usually affect any five senses, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
Aging leads to many changes in sensory function, drastically affecting an individual’s perception of the world. However, many strategies are available to manage these changes and maintain the overall well-being of older adults. This article will discuss some examples of how aging can alter the senses.

Vision
As a person ages, the eyes become a little flexible, which leads to difficulty focusing on close objects. This condition is called presbyopia. Other risks are also related to eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, which increases in old age.

Hearing
Age-related hearing loss is common. It is also known as presbycusis. It affects many older adults. This condition leads to difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds like a child’s voice or a telephone ringing. This condition also makes it hard to differentiate between different sounds, affecting speech comprehension.

Taste and Smell
As people age, their ability to taste and smell declines. This lead to unpleasant feelings related to food and a decreased appetite. This condition also makes it harder to detect odors, which can be a safety concern.

Touch
Aging reduces the skin’s sensitivity and the ability to detect temperature and pressure. Thus, this condition makes it harder to notice any environmental changes that could be important for safety, such as a hot surface.


Eight tips for managing sensory alteration in elderly

Get regular check-ups
Regular check-ups by your healthcare provider can help identify changes in your senses early, enabling you to seek early intervention.

Stay physically active
Exercise helps keep your senses sharp and improve your health. However, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program if you have any medical problems like arthritis.
Protect your hearing
You can use earplugs or earmuffs to prevent loud noises and avoid loud music from the environment.

Wear glasses or contacts
If you have vision problems, wearing glasses or contact lenses can improve your vision.

Use assistive devices
Using assistive devices like hearing aids, magnifying glasses, and adaptive technology helps you to overcome sensory challenges.

Keep your environment well-lit
Good lighting helps you see more clearly and reduce the risk of falls.

Maintain a healthy diet
A healthy diet supports your overall health, including your senses. You can also consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

Engaging in social activities
Engaging in social activities helps you stay mentally and socially active, positively impacting your overall well-being.

Take away home
Overall, sensory alterations affect an individual’s quality of life, independence, and safety. Therefore, monitoring and addressing these changes is crucial to ensure that individuals can maintain their daily activities and social interactions as they age. Remember, sensory alterations are an expected part of aging, and there are many strategies, like using assistive devices and engaging in social activities may help you manage these alterations.