Independent Living Aids : Senior With Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Independent living aids are available for the vision impaired senior. Meet Dorothy Gambrel.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Internet skills support independent living for vision impaired seniors

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss… in Americans over 60 years old. A diagnosis can quickly diminish a senior’s self-esteem and security… if he or she can’t find a way to return to a comfortable level of independent living.

Seniors living with AMD describe it as having a dark or blurred spot in the center of their vision. The spot may get bigger over time limiting senior activities. This disease threatens independent living. It destroys central vision which is needed to see well enough to drive and read.

Simple daily tasks can become very frustrating for the vision impaired. For Dorothy Gambrel, 68, relearning basic skills became a new challenge.

“I could no longer see well enough to squeeze toothpaste on my toothbrush. I finally learned to put the toothpaste on my finger first, and then apply it the brush,” said Gambrel.

Learning the ropes

Gambrel admits she knew very little about how to cope with AMD when she was first diagnosed. At age 60, she has learned the ropes to independent living along the way. She investigated independent living aids for the vision impaired.

One of her most recent adventures is learning about advanced technology services… that offer options for seniors with AMD. This knowledge led to receiving a free home computer, and she is now learning to use the Internet.

She is not alone. According to the Nielsen Wire (December 10, 2009), from 2004 to 2009… senior activities on the Internet increased 55 percent. Seniors are not just the fastest growing age group of Internet users… they are also the age group that can benefit the most.

From the comfort of their homes,… seniors are staying in touch with friends and family… through e-mail and social networking sites like Facebook. They go online to check the weather, view and pay bills, read the news and plan leisure trips. They also use the Internet to find the best prices on items and print coupons, as well as find recipes.

Most seniors tend to take healthcare advice from a healthcare provider… family member or friend. More and more they are using the web to gather additional information… about important health issues.

Brain fitness is an important factor

A 2009 UCLA study suggested the very act of surfing the web prevents brain atrophy in older adults. According to this research, searching online exercises the brain and enhances cognition. The benefits of surfing the web may stimulate and improve brain function… in seniors after just one week.

Many vision-impaired seniors do not know that advanced technology offers a way to… magnify text and images on a computer screen, as well as read text to them. Large-print keyboards are also available. These make keycaps easy to see with less eyestrain and fatigue.

To learn more about how Gambrel tapped into advanced technology services… and overcame the obstacle of using the web with low vision.. read “Vision Impaired Senior Uses Computer to Enhance Independent Living.”

For those living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Independent Living Aids can be an invaluable resource in helping them to maintain their independence. Independent Living Aids are designed to help improve a person's quality of life by making daily activities easier and more convenient. These aids may include items such as magnifiers, electronic readers, tablets, phones and specialized computer programs that can make everyday tasks simpler for someone with AMD. Independent Living Aids can also provide valuable support for people who experience vision loss or difficulty seeing due to AMD.

With the right tools, people with AMD can continue to live independently and safely while still enjoying their favorite activities. Independent Living Aids can also offer peace of mind knowing that if needed, they have access to assistance and support. If you or someone you know is living with AMD, there are Independent Living Aids available that can make a big difference in managing the condition and maintaining independence.

Vision impaired seniors use computers

Vision impaired seniors use computers to enhance independent living. Independent living aids can help make computer use easier. With Independent Living Aids, users are able to magnify text, increase contrast and modify color schemes as well as access specialized software that is designed specifically for people with vision impairment. Independent Living Aids not only provide a sense of security and independence but also offer enhanced comfort and convenience when utilizing technology. Independent Living Aids are an ideal solution for those who want to remain independent despite having vision impairments caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Research your options today so you can make the most out of Independent Living Aids!

Tools to consider for vision impaired individuals include :

- Magnifiers

- Electronic readers

- Tablets

- Phones

- Specialized computer programs

- Text magnifiers

- Contrast and color enhancement software

Taking the time to understand Independent Living Aids can help those with AMD make informed decisions about their needs and how to best manage the condition. Independent Living Aids give people with AMD the freedom to enjoy life independently, safely, and confidently. With Independent Living Aids, you have access to assistance and support that can make all the difference in helping maintain an independent lifestyle. Explore your options today so you can take advantage of Independent Living Aids!

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