"Judi Dench reveals concern about potential complete vision loss and additional hearing issues"
Take a Peek into Dame Judi Dench's Struggle with Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Hearing Loss
Dame Judi Dench, at the ripe age of 90, has shared her experiences with the encroaching realities of age-related vision and hearing losses. In a candid interview with HELLO!, she discussed her battles with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
"I don't feel as spry as before, with my impeding blindness," Judi confessed. AMD, the leading cause of sight loss in the UK, was first diagnosed in 2012 by her, shedding light on this prevalent issue. Now, after 13 years, she discloses that she's edging closer to a state of complete blindness.
"I can't pinpoint when I'll be unable to see completely, but it's not far off," she admitted. "It's rather annoying." One of the most challenging aspects of her vision loss? Recognizing familiar faces, she lamented, frequently walking past close acquaintances without a greeting. Oh, the awkward moments when she mistook strangers for old friends and showered them with affection!
However, embracing the lessons she's learned from her illustrious acting career, Judi has been pretending she can still see to cope with her deteriorating vision. "If you're an actress, you can feign sight, given I've had to act all my life," she quipped.
On the auditory front, Judi disclosed her hearing is also waning. "My hearing's going too. I shrug and say 'yes' to things I haven't heard, which can be quite amusing." Such is her cheerful spirit in the face of adversity.
While specific tactics adopted by Dame Judi to handle hearing loss aren't detailed, common strategies for managing such conditions include regular hearing checks, use of hearing aids, environmental adjustments, communication techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional support. With her high profile, these methods could serve her well, though she didn't disclose her exact approach.
In her quest to focus on the positive, Judi's mantra is to focus on the brighter aspects of life rather than the negatives. "It's simpler to hold onto the good than to let the bad overpower," she mused.
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Need a Hand with Hearing and Vision Loss?
- Regular check-ups and hearing aids are vital for improved communication and daily life.
- Environmental adjustments, such as reducing background noise and improving lighting, can make conversing easier.
- Employing gestures, expressions, and visual clues can aid understanding conversations.
- A healthy lifestyle (rich diet, abstaining from smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption) supports ear health.
- Consulting professionals like audiologists, occupational therapists, or visual rehabilitation workers can provide personalized strategies for managing hearing and vision loss.
- Specific therapies and treatments, such as vision rehabilitation exercises and cochlear implants, can help manage vision and hearing loss.
- Awareness about chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular health is vital for early detection and prevention.
- Implementing workplace-wellness programs can help promote mental health, sexual health, and men's health in the working environment.
- Skin-care routines and wellness strategies are essential for maintaining overall health, especially during the aging process.
- Women's health encompasses various aspects, including reproductive health, breast health, and gynecological care.
- Medicare offers comprehensive health insurance benefits for those aged 65 or older, including coverage for medical-conditions, chronic diseases, and therapies and treatments.
