Hearing Loss Affects Your Longevity

As we journey through retirement years, it's not just the memories that become a bit hazy; sometimes, it's our hearing too. Hearing loss is one of those sneaky little things that creeps up on us, often without us even realizing it. We talked briefly about some of this before and you can read that blog post here in case you missed it. 

But here's the thing: hearing loss isn't just about asking people to repeat themselves or turning up the TV volume. It's much more than that. It's about how staying connected to the world around us can actually help us live longer, healthier lives.

You see, when our hearing starts to fade, we might not notice the birds chirping on a sunny morning or the laughter of our grandchildren playing in the backyard. But it's not just these beautiful sounds we miss out on; we might also start withdrawing from conversations, feeling a bit left out at family gatherings, or avoiding social situations altogether because it's just too hard to keep up.

This withdrawal can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which, believe it or not, are as harmful to our health as smoking or obesity. Studies have shown that social isolation can lead to a higher risk of serious health issues like heart disease, depression, and even dementia. It's like a domino effect; one thing leads to another, and before we know it, our overall health starts to decline.

But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be this way. Hearing aids can be real game-changers. I know, I know – you might be thinking, "Hearing aids? Aren't those for... well, old people?" But let's face it, we're all young at heart, and embracing a tool that can keep us engaged and active is actually a pretty youthful thing to do.

Modern hearing aids are nothing like the bulky, whistling devices of the past. They're sleek, discreet, and, in some cases, virtually invisible. They can be tailored to your specific hearing needs, ensuring that you don't miss out on the punchline of a joke or the important announcements at your granddaughter's graduation.

But the real magic of hearing aids lies in how they can help us maintain our connections with the world around us. They allow us to participate in conversations, enjoy social gatherings, and stay engaged with our loved ones. This engagement is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being, keeping us sharp, happy and connected.

In fact, studies have shown that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. They're also more likely to stay physically active and socially engaged – two key ingredients for a long and fulfilling life.

So, if you've noticed that your hearing isn't quite what it used to be, consider getting it checked out. Think of hearing aids not as a sign of aging, but as a badge of honor – a tool that empowers you to stay connected, active, and fully immersed in the joys of life.

Remember, every sound, every conversation, every laugh we share adds a little something to our lives. Let's make sure we're not missing out on any of it. Here's to living our best lives, with all the sounds and joys it has to offer!

Here are some resource articles you might want to read over:

• New Study Ties Hearing Aid Use to Longer Life. But Only if Worn Regularly
• A Mortality Follow-Up Study of a Cross-Sectional Cohort
• The Effect of Hearing Aids on Mortality

Understanding the Risks of Dementia in Our Golden Years

As we age there are two words that can strike fear in the hearts of any senior and those two words are DEMENTIA and ALZHEIMERS. Not one person alive, old or young, wants to consider the thought that they may get lost in their own minds and be unreachable even as their bodies remain firmly in need of care. This thought can make your blood run cold, and will turn your legs into jello. I am not trying to be a Debbie Downer here, but the truth is that there are a few things you can be doing right now to hopefully stave off either of these two conditions.

We have been talking about ways to mitigate these two conditions almost from the beginning of this blog.  We always talk about exercise, mental stimulation, staying social, learning new things, practicing gratitude, being mindful and other various ways to improve our lives as we age.  It should not surprise you that these interventions are also the way to stay mentally healthy. You can read older blog posts about this topic here.

Retirement means freedom and time to do the things we put off due to family and time issues while working. However, the risk of developing dementia, a broad term that encompasses various cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease, significantly impacts the elderly population. Today let's examine the risks associated with dementia as we age and discuss ways to mitigate these risks.

The Growing Concern

Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but the risk of developing dementia increases as we get older. According to the World Health Organization, around 50 million people worldwide have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases every year. Most of these individuals are over the age of 65. This statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of understanding and preparing for the potential risks as we age.

Risk Factors for Dementia

Several factors can increase the risk of developing dementia. Some of these are modifiable, while others are not. 

Key risk factors include:

• Age: The most significant risk factor for dementia is age, particularly after 65 years.
• Genetics: Family history plays a role, especially in cases of early-onset dementia.
• Lifestyle and Heart Health: Poor heart health due to factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes can increase dementia risk.
• Brain Injuries: Severe head trauma may increase the risk of certain types of dementia.
• Mental Health: Depression and prolonged stress might contribute to the risk of dementia.

Reducing the Risk

While we cannot change factors like age and genetics, there are several ways to reduce the risk of dementia:

• Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity helps maintain good blood flow to the brain and encourages new brain cells.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Diets like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can support brain health.
• Mental Stimulation: Engaging in activities that challenge your brain, like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills, can build brain resilience.
• Social Engagement: Staying socially active can protect against dementia by reducing stress levels and maintaining emotional health.
• Regular Health Check-ups: Managing heart health and mental health can significantly reduce dementia risk.

Early Signs and Seeking Help

Recognizing the early signs of dementia is crucial. These can include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, and changes in mood and personality. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.


As we cherish our retirement years, being mindful of our cognitive health is as important as taking care of our physical well-being. By understanding the risks associated with dementia and taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks, we can aim for not just a longer life but a fuller, more vibrant one.

Remember, aging is an inevitable journey, but how we age is something we can influence. Let's embrace these years with awareness and grace, ensuring our minds stay as active and healthy as our bodies.