I don't need glasses all the time, but as I'm getting older I do find it harder read fine print. I like to carry reading glasses so that I don't get stuck when I'm out and about, but I don't want to always carry a bulky glasses case. I like to try and find reading glasses that are compact and can easily be carried in the pocket and are pretty hardy so they don't get too scratched up. This blog is all about affordable options for pocket reading glasses to keep you able to read all those tiny fonts and prints.
As you approach your later years, falls are one of the biggest risks you need to look out for. Government research found that over a period of just 1 to 2 years, almost 100,000 Australians over the age of 65 were hospitalised following a fall. Falling can cause serious injuries, and it can be fatal. Accidental falling was responsible for the deaths of almost 1,500 Australians over 70 years of age in 2010.
You may think you're only at risk of falling in a dangerous environment — a room with a wet floor or loose rug, for example. However, falls can happen anywhere, and their cause isn't always the environment itself. Many seniors fall because of underlying health problems that affect their ability to get around.
If you have either of the following problems, try to get them treated as soon as possible to reduce your risk of falling and getting injured.
Hypotension
High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a highly publicised problem. Its opposite counterpart, however, often goes ignored. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a condition that around 5 to 30% of people over 65 suffer from. The most common symptoms someone with hypotension will face are dizziness, weakness, blurry vision, fatigue, and headaches. All of these symptoms can lead to a senior becoming unstable and falling. Hypotension can have a variety of causes in your later years, including diabetes, arrhythmias, varicose veins, and anaemia. It can also be caused by certain medications or prolonged bed rest. If you suspect you have hypotension, you'll need to see your GP. They may prescribe you with a specific medication to increase blood flow or diagnose an underlying cause that can be treated directly. Outside of medical intervention, you can also reduce your risk of a hypotension-related fall by staying hydrated or wearing compression stockings to raise your blood pressure.
Cataracts
Cataracts are extremely common in older people. Around 1.5 million Australians over the age of 55 are currently living with untreated cataracts. Cataracts occur when your eyes' lens loses its transparently, but they can cause more than just irritating blurry vision — they can also cause falls. Impaired sight is one of the most common reasons people fall. You may think your surroundings are safe, but anything can be a hazard if you can't see it. Everyday things like table legs and even pets can be tripped over if you can't see them. If you have cataracts, seeing an optometrist about cataract surgery could save your life as well as improve your ability to see. A 2012 study in the US found that cataract surgery lowered the odds of a patient falling and suffering a hip fracture by 16 to 23%.
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