The majority of older adults will experience some changes in their sensory capacity (vision, hearing, smell, taste, and peripheral sensation) as a normal part of aging. Some sensory changes can severely impact an older person's communication skills.
Vision
30% of those over age 65 have some level of visual impairment. Cataracts are the 5th most common chronic condition in adults over age 75.
Hearing
Hearing loss is the 3rd leading chronic condition affecting adults over 75 years of age.
Smell and taste
The sense of smell and ability to identify odors decreases due to normal changes in aging.
Peripheral sensation
Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common neurological disorders encountered in a general medical practice with estimates of 2% to 7% of all patient populations having symptoms of neuropathy.
See reference for more information. Adapted from Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. ConsultGeri. Internet. Accessed on September 9, 2016.