Hearing loss predicted more loss of heavier activities of daily living. Combined hearing and visual loss was most predictive of ten year loss of independence. So do something. Have your eyes, glasses and hearing checked regularly. Losses can be ameliorated.
Cataracts change vision slowly.
Haven't your friends been surprised at how much they can suddenly see with postoperative new implanted lenses. Two other studies relate to the use of your senses in slowing learning decline with aging. Harvard investigators of 2,812 home living elderly people interviewed between 1982 and 1984. A Victoria, BC, study followed 250 elderly individuals for 6 years found that maintaining intellectual engagement protected individuals from later decline. Activities included story recall, vocabulary and memory as well as walking, self maintenance, hobbies, TV and radio, visiting and language or card game learning.