Prevalence, risk factors and self-reported medical causes of seeing and hearing-related disabilities among older adults

The prevalence, risk factors, and medical conditions associated with seeing and hearing disabilities were examined among Canadian adults aged 55 years and older. A probability sample of respondents from the 1986 and 1991 Canadian Census were selected to complete the 1986 and 1991 Health and Activity Limitations Survey (HALS). Seniors, 65 years and older, were more likely than 55-64 year olds to experience a sensory disability. Men were more likely than women to report having hearing disabilities, while women were more likely to report seeing disabilities than men. Increased age and lower total household incomes were associated with a greater likelihood of having a sensory disability. Cataracts and deafness were reported most often as the cause of seeing and hearing ADL restrictions in both age groups. Sensory disabilities are prevalent conditions among older adults. Public health initiatives should focus on hearing and seeing disabilities particularly among seniors, women, and the lower income level population.