Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Community Integration of Adults With Sensory Impairments

Abstract

Older adults with sensory impairments report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation than those without these impairments. This study aims to determine whether older adults with and without sensory impairments who attend a senior day center or reside in a retirement community differ in their mental health and community integration. A descriptive study was conducted with 22 participants who self-reported a hearing or a visual impairment, utilizing the Community Integration Measure and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. No differences were found in community integration or mental health conditions based on impairment type; however, a correlation between depression and community integration was identified. Significant correlations were observed between stress and anxiety levels in individuals with hearing impairments and between stress and sensory impairments compared with those without. Stress and anxiety are prevalent among older adults with hearing loss, underscoring the importance of incorporating mental health initiatives into the community.

Plain Language Summary

Understanding the Mental Health and Community Challenges of Older Adults with Vision and Hearing Loss

Older adults who have trouble seeing or hearing often feel more anxious, depressed, and isolated than those who do not face these challenges. This study looked at whether older adults with and without hearing or vision problems—known as sensory impairments—who attend a senior day center or live in a retirement community have different experiences in mental health and community involvement. The study included 22 participants who self-reported having a hearing or a visual impairment and used two standard assessments, the Community Integration Measure and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 to gather information about their community engagement and mental well-being. No differences were found in how well people connected with their community or their mental health based on their sensory impairments. However, a link was found between feelings of depression and community involvement. In addition, people with hearing impairments reported higher levels of stress and anxiety than those without. Stress and anxiety are common among older adults with hearing loss, highlighting the need for mental health support in the community.