Some Facts and Figures About Aging

Some lessons from “What About Aging?”:

--More than 5,000 Americans reach the age of 65 each day.

--At the turn of the century, between 3 million and 4 million people were over 65 in America. There are now nearly 26 million.

--71% of Americans between 65 and 74 are able to perform all daily activities without help.

--When the senses of taste and smell lose their acuity, strong spices such as chili and garlic can make food more interesting.

--Most people tend to raise their voices and speak more quickly when trying to communicate with the hearing-impaired. But because they often have the most trouble with high-frequency sounds, a high-pitched voice is harder to understand. When you’re talking to a hearing-impaired person, speak slowly and at a low pitch. And look directly at the person: Many hearing-impaired people can understand what is said more easily if they can see your lips.

--Persons whose vision is failing because of cataracts may not be able to distinguish, for example, between the nearly identical-size cans of Arrid deodorant and Pam no-stick spray. A white plate may vanish into the surface of a white counter. Contrasting colors, a variety of shapes and careful placement of objects can lessen the confusion.