Looking After Your Eyes, Ears and Teeth in Later Life

As we get older, it’s easy to focus on the big things like keeping active, eating well, or managing long-term conditions. But our sight, hearing and dental health are just as important. They affect how connected and confident we feel and how safe we are day to day.

Struggling to hear conversations, tripping over because of poor eyesight, or avoiding certain foods because of painful teeth doesn’t just impact your comfort, it can knock your independence too. But with regular check-ups and a few simple habits, you can keep on top of these changes and carry on living life to the fullest. 

Eye Health

Your eyes naturally change as you age and conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) tend to become more common, but spotting them early can make treatment more effective.

Eye tests on the NHS

If you’re aged 60 or over in England, you’re entitled to a free NHS eye test every two years. In Scotland, eye tests are free for everyone, no matter their age. Your optician will tell you if you need to be seen more often.

Regular tests help to:

• Pick up eye diseases before you notice symptoms
• Keep your prescription up to date so you’re not at greater risk of falls
• Spot changes linked to diabetes or high blood pressure

When to get help quickly

If you think you’re experiencing something more serious, don’t wait until your next routine check-up. It’s important to reach out for an eye exam if you notice:

• Sudden loss or blurring of vision
• Flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters.
• A dark “shadow” moving across your sight.

In some cases, these can be signs of something urgent like retinal detachment, so call your optician as soon as possible or NHS 111 for out-of-hours care.

Day-to-day tips

A few small changes at home can make things much easier if you’re struggling with your vision:

 

• Use good lighting at home, especially on stairs
• Try magnifiers, large-print books or high-contrast clocks if you’re struggling
• Ask your optician about low-vision aids if glasses aren’t enough
• Adjust text size or brightness on phones, tablets, and computers 
  
  

Hearing Health

 

Hearing problems often creep up slowly, so you might not notice how much you’re missing until family or friends point it out to you. If left untreated, hearing loss can make you feel cut off, and it’s linked with higher risks of depression and even dementia.

Getting tested

Start by asking your GP for a referral to NHS audiology, or you can self-refer, depending on the area you live in. Some high street providers also offer tests, but make sure they’re registered professionals.

A hearing test is quick, painless, and usually takes less than an hour.

Support that helps:

• Hearing aids: today’s NHS digital hearing aids are much smaller and more effective than older models and they’re free if you need them.
• Assistive devices include things like amplified phones, TV listeners or vibrating alarm clocks can make daily life easier.
• Earwax care: Most GP practices no longer offer syringing, but you can get advice on drops or be referred to the relevant team rather than going private if you don’t want to.

Everyday adjustments 

 

Making a few small changes can help conversations and daily life feel easier when you’re managing hearing changes:

• Turn off the TV or radio when chatting
• Ask friends and family to face you and speak clearly
• Attend your follow-up appointments, hearing aids often need fine-tuning
• Use captions on TV shows, videos, or during calls. 
• Choose quieter spots when meeting friends, like a café corner or a less busy time.

Dental Health

Healthy teeth and gums are just as important in later life as they were when you were younger. Problems like gum disease, ill-fitting dentures or tooth loss don’t just affect eating and speaking. Gum disease, for example, has been linked to developing heart problems.

 

Check-ups

Your dentist will recommend how often you should be seen, it might be every three months if you have ongoing problems, or less often if everything looks good.

Good daily habits

Some habits you can implement to maintain good oral health include: 

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or brushes
• Cutting down on sugary snacks and drinks
• Keeping your dentures clean and soaking them overnight
  
  

If you’re having problems with your oral hygiene or care, you don’t have to wait until your next appointment to see your dentist. Book an appointment to see your dentist:

• If your gums bleed when brushing
• If your dentures rub, feel loose, or stop fitting properly
• If you have mouth ulcers or patches that don’t heal within three weeks

Staying on Top of It

It can feel like a lot to juggle, but there are some simple ways to stay organised:

• Try booking eye tests and dental check-ups around the same time each year
• Set reminders in a diary, on your phone, or ask a family member to prompt you
• Ask practices about accessibility if you need longer appointments, step-free access or home visit
• Bring someone with you if you find appointments stressful or need help remembering advice

HelpAlert Support

 

If you want extra peace of mind alongside looking after your health, a HelpAlert personal alarm can keep you safe at home and on the go. Whether you’re worried about falls, or simply want reassurance when living independently, HelpAlert means support is never far away.

With 24/7, UK-based emergency support, optional fall detection, and GPS tracking, you’ll always feel connected and supported.

Try our 14-day free trial, no contracts, no pressure, just a small postage fee. To explore our full range of features and products, speak to a member of our friendly team on 01273 055049 or visit our website today.