We all want to stay healthy and happy as we age, don’t we? And we all know many of the obvious ways to do it — like exercising, eating right, not smoking and getting enough sleep.
But did you know our hearing plays a role in healthy aging, too? Since September is Healthy Aging Month (bet you didn’t know that?), we thought we’d share four ways hearing better can help us age better.
1. Hearing better helps keep us social and active
When we hear clearly and with minimal effort, it’s easier to be engaged, maintain connections, feel a part of conversations, and stay socially active.
On the other hand, people who struggle hearing often decide it’s easier to avoid social situations. They might turn down invitations, limit interactions, and become more withdrawn and isolated.
Did you know?
Research proves that people who enjoy social relationships are more likely to live longer than those who are isolated and lonely.
2. Hearing better helps keep us alert and independent
Our sense of hearing plays a huge role in how confident and independent we are, and how safe we feel when we’re out and about.
When we hear clearly, our spatial awareness opens up and we’re able to distinguish and react to audible cues that warn us of safety issues. When we hear without effort, we can feel less reliant on others to “translate” or clarify what we heard, resulting in a greater sense of freedom and independence.
People who can’t hear like they once could are more likely to miss warning cues, feel less confident in surroundings outside their home, and are more at risk of accidents, injuries or mishearing important information.
Did you know?
Individuals with good hearing are two times less likely to experience accidental injuries and three times less likely to have a history of falling than those with hearing loss.
3. Hearing better can help keep us mentally sharp
Numerous studies have linked hearing loss to dementia, a mental health challenge the World Health Organization predicts will triple by 2050.
Experts attribute the connection to the fact that hearing loss leads to social isolation (a known risk factor for dementia), that it accelerates brain shrinkage, and that it forces the brain to “steal” energy needed for memory and thinking.
Did you know?
An international commission on dementia prevention has confirmed that treating hearing loss in midlife is the single biggest risk factor you can modify to help prevent dementia.
4. Hearing better brings us joy
Maybe more than anything, hearing our best helps keep us positive and vibrant. Whether it’s listening to the laughter of friends, the sound of a symphony, a child’s first words, ocean waves lapping, or a bird singing outside the window, hearing keeps us engaged, active, and connected to the world around us.
Did you know?
According to a Yale study, optimism and a positive outlook adds 7.5 years to our life, while other research has shown it may reduce the risk of depression, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
If you’re ready to start hearing better so you can age and live your best, this Healthy Aging Month is a great time to do it — and we can help. Simply type your zip code in here and a you’ll get a list of hearing healthcare professionals in your area who can test your hearing and consult with you about treatment options.
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