Sensory loss and successful ageing: Australian evidence

Abstract

Data presented at an international symposium in Melbourne, March 1990, showed considerable cross-national similarity in rates of sensory loss in old age. New national data from Australia confirm these patterns. This article considers sight and hearing loss in the general context of ageing. Rates and consequences of sight and hearing loss in men and women are compared and discussed. Also noted are the different responses of non-English speaking migrants; and the fact that combined rates of sight and hearing loss are second only to musculo-skeletal conditions as causes of illness in old age. A co-ordinated international research and education programme is needed to deal with these major threats to successful ageing.

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