Sensory Decline

The most common form of sight degeneration in the over 60s is known as macular degeneration (AMD), which is the gradual decay of the macular, a tiny part of the retina responsible for central vision. The most common form is so called dry macular when light sensitive cells slowly decay. In the past it has been largely regarded as inevitable that such decay is just a part of getting older, but recent research suggests the intake of certain nutrients can help to control the disease. The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary published a paper which shows people who regularly take in foods rich in carotenoids, such as is found in dark leafy greens like spinach, cabbage and collard greens, have as much as 43 percent lower risk of developing macular degeneration than those who rarely eat these natural foods. Raw spinach was found to be particularly effective.

Cut out smoking too. It was found that smokers are 4 times more likely to experience AMD than nonsmokers. Also, remember that as we get older it may get more difficult for your body to obtain all the nutrients from your diet alone, so it may be a good idea to supplement your diet with vitamin supplements. Also avoiding prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays will go some way to slow down age related visionary impairment.
A healthy diet may protect your eyes
As a general rule of thumb, a healthy diet ought to consist of plenty of fresh, colourful fruits and vegetables. Some experts suggest that we ought to be consuming between 5 and 9 helpings per day to ward off the effects or at least slow down the effects of ageing on the senses and to enjoy other benefits too. Dark green or brightly coloured vegetables rich in antioxidants are thought to be the most effective. Omega 3 fatty acids are also known to have beneficial effects on vision, so eat plenty of foods like grilled salmon. In a study throughout Europe published in 2008, people who ate oily fish at least once a week were 50 percent less likely to develop macular degeneration compared to those who ate fish less than once a week. So watch what you eat.
Posterior Vitreous Separation
When we are young the fluid in our eyes is in the form of a jelly. This contains impurities but our brains compensate for this and ignores them. As we age, however, this jelly turns, slowly, into a liquid. Some of it still sticks to the retina for a while, and as the liquified jelly moves it can tug at the retina, causing us to see flashes of light. This is usually harmless but in a minority of cases it can cause tearing of the retina, which is very serious. If you ever have these syptoms it is important to visit your local eye hospital without delay, so that they can keep an eye on it (sorry, no joke intended!). You will usually see 'floaters' (dark spots floating through your field of vision) afterwards, too, although, again, your brain will partly compensate by trying to ignore them.
weakened eye muscles
Muscles which control the ability of our eyes to focus deteriorate with age. There is not a lot we can do about this at present; complex operations involving the insertion of soft membranes around the eyes exist but are controversial and of unproven value (but of high risk). Investing in multi-focus spectacles is usually the most satisfactory option. So-called 'Laser Eye Surgery' (which alters the shape of the eyeball) is useless in this case, since it can actally make the eye less, rather than more, flexible, and it greatly increases the risk of retina tearing during posterior vitreous separations.
Cataracts
This clouding of the lenses is very common and irreversible. However, operations to replace the lenses are fast, effective and reasonably safe. They can often correct troublesome short or long-sightendess too (although not problems of focussing, or retinal damage). NHS waiting lists can be extensive but private operations should cost no more than ??1500 to ??2,000 per eye. A long-term diet which is high in Vitamin C, or the use of Vitamin C supplements, is claimed to help prevent it occurring, as well as avoiding bright lights, particularly sunlight; photochromic lenses (which darken automatically in bright sunlight) in spectacles may help too.

The same can be said about the sense of smell. Only when it's not quite working the way it should do we suddenly realise how much it enhances the quality of life. Again, some damage is inevitable as we age, but don't just assume a loss of sensitivity in the ability to smell is an inevitable part of ageing. It's possible that medication you're on may be causing it, so consult your doctor. Once again, smoking can seriously diminish your ability to smell. It could be a sinus or even dental problem that can be dealt with relatively easily. Your doctor could refer you to an allergist, an ear, nose and throat specialist, or maybe a neurologist. It's not necessarily just a part of getting older. It could just be a matter of improving your nasal hygiene as well.

So don't simply assume that fading vision, loss of hearing, or a diminished sense of taste and smell are just part and parcel of ageing. Things aren't quite so simple. While some deterioration is inevitable, thankfully there are things you can do to take control so you can continue to make the most of your amazing senses even into advanced years.