Training reading ability – the difference between dependence/dissatisfaction and independence/satisfaction for elderly patients with low vision

Abstract

This paper tries to describe the social consequences of not meeting the reading requirements of everyday life for elderly low vision persons. The basis of the presentation lies in Swedish and international studies (OECD project: International Adult Literacy Survey, IALS) on reading skills, involving elderly people with normal vision and those with low vision problems. A visual problem is one of the factors in the IALS study with the most negative effect on reading and writing skills among elderly people. Compared to how age can affect the vision of people aged 65 years and older, a low vision problem has the same negative effect on the reading and writing skills of elderly people as 13 extra years would have on elderly people without visual problems. A low vision reading and writing problem is a significant obstacle of an elderly person for proper communication. This obstacle also has direct consequences for an active participation in societal activities and for personal independence and a ‘good’ life in ...