Better hearing and vision linked to stronger cognitive health in older adults

Better hearing and vision linked to stronger cognitive health in older adults

As we age, our cognitive abilities deteriorate - it becomes increasingly difficult to remember and solve problems in time and space. However, good hearing and vision have a positive impact on cognitive abilities in older adults. This is evident in Andrea Badache's doctoral thesis in disability studies at Örebro University.

By ensuring older adults have good hearing and vision, we can improve their independence. “

Andreea Badache

Almost 40% of older people in Sweden over the age of 65 have hearing difficulties and about 10% suffer from visual impairment. In her thesis, Andreea Badache examines the connection between older adults' cognitive health - the ability to absorb, process and store information - as well as their hearing and vision.

“Both our cognitive abilities and our hearing and vision change over time, and the connection between them becomes clearer as we age,” explains Andreea Badache.

This suggests that various interventions such as hearing aids and eye surgery can slow cognitive decline, a natural aspect of aging.

“These results could have significant public health implications and provide valuable insights for policymakers and health professionals,” says Andreea Badache.

Positive progress among older adults in Sweden and Denmark

In Sweden and Denmark, older people's ability to handle everyday tasks such as eating, dressing and cleaning has improved. These developments can be directly linked to their cognitive abilities, their level of education, and their reading and listening skills.

“For example, the prevalence of hearing and visual impairments is lower among those with higher education,” she says.

In addition, visual impairment is more common in women than in men. In contrast, the results indicate that hearing difficulties affect men to a greater extent.

What is considered successful aging?

Andreea Badache also examined how people at age 75 define successful aging. The factors they considered important were related to health and psychosocial aspects. The study also showed a preference for a peaceful and painless death.

"As people age, their definitions of successful aging change. For example, those age 75 and older face different challenges compared to those age 65," Badache explains.

Andreea Badache analyzed data from the Health, Aging and Retirement Survey in Europe (Stock). Between 2004 and 2017, the Share survey collected information on economic, social and health factors affecting both the individual and societal levels. Elderly people aged 50 years from 28 European countries and Israel took part in the study.

Of these, around 13,000 come from Sweden and around 10,000 from Denmark.

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