There is a big misconception that brain cells die every day and are never replaced. Learning new things are deemed a young person’s place.
The truth is very different because the decline with regards to mental processes begins at 20 years of age. It is also only between five and fifteen percent. The reality- the playing field is level. It depends on the individual and not the person’s age. Mental decline can be delayed by years by applying education and knowledge. The more thinking we do, the healthier our brains become. It seems that we can really think ourselves better.
Untreated hearing loss has serious emotional and social consequences for older persons. Even in younger people, untreated hearing loss van be extremely life changing. It weighs very heavy when it comes to communication and social interactions.
Therefore, it is vital that we take the initiative and attempt to gently encourage a change and help the elderly around us to fully engage with technology and all it can achieve. It is important to demonstrate to family and friends just how aware and capable they really are. Sometimes it is all too easy to treat older people as though in a sense they are childlike.
We need to encourage them; at least attempt a conversation on the subject of improving hearing. Each person needs to know it might just change their lives.
•Article recognition: P.R. Hilton. Adapted by Karien Scheepers, Audiologist; Coast 2 Coast Hearing. 079 098 7444