Our five senses naturally deteriorate as we get older, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do to intervene and help slow the process. Here are a few things you can do to keep your senses sharp longer.
SIGHT
Our sight can be affected by numerous things. Anything that causes eye strain is likely to cause damage. This could include not wearing shades in the sun or reading in the dark without sufficient light.
It’s worth visiting your local optician as soon as you notice any blurriness. Black spots or streaks can be of particular concern, but while annoying are not cause for alarm. DO visit your eye doctor should you notice a change. It may be a sign of a condition such as cataracts, or it may be an indication of floaters. Cataract surgery is common and very effective, while floaters are not generally treated but can improve or become less bothersome over time.
There are a number of things we can do to boost our vision. A diet that’s rich in vitamins and carotenoids can help to keep our eyes healthy – foods like spinach, kale and carrots are great options (carrots won’t help you see in the dark, but they can keep your vision sharp). Drinking lots of water is also important, as is keeping down your sugar intake to avoid vision loss from diabetes.
HEARING
Hearing loss can occur early in life as the result of exposure to loud noises. Working in a noisy environment without ear protection over a period of time can cause permanent damage. Loud concerts or motor-sporting events can also damage your hearing.
If you notice your hearing starting to go, consider seeing a hearing specialist. A hearing aid offers many the ability to enjoy their hearing life again. There are now hearing aids that sync with your smartphone and help you fine tune your hearing environment. If you experience pain with hearing loss, see your doctor to evaluate.
Meditating in a quiet area is thought to help promote ear health. If you’ve just been in a very noisy place or situation, go somewhere quiet and give your ears and opportunity to rest.
TOUCH
It’s not something we tend to think about, but many people lose their sense of touch over time. Handling hot objects without gloves is a common cause of permanent nerve damage to finger tips and hands. If, however, there is numbness in various parts of the body be aware of the possibility of diabetic neuropathy and consult your physician.
There’s no way to restore your sense of touch once it goes. You may however be able to slow or stop certain conditions if you catch them early. Always see a doctor if you have concerns over your sense of touch. Numbness accompanied by difficulty of motion is something to talk to a doctor about.
SMELL & TASTE
Our smell and taste also fades naturally over time. Smoking is one habit that will speed the loss of these senses.
Again, once smell and taste are gone, you can’t bring back. Cold and sinus infections may cause temporary loss of smell and taste, but they will return once this condition is cleared up.
Using natural aromas around the house and using lots of spices and herbs during cooking can help awaken and strengthen your senses and keep them sharp into old age. Drinking lots of water is also important.
