Which sensory assessment finding is commonly seen among elderly patients?

• A. Increased hearing sensitivity
• B. Enhanced sense of smell
• C. Decreased color and depth perception
• D. Improved tactile sensitivity

Answer: (C)

Decreased color and depth perception is a sensory assessment finding commonly observed among elderly patients due to age-related changes in the visual system. As individuals age, the lenses of their eyes can become less flexible, leading to conditions like presbyopia, which affects their ability to focus on close objects. Additionally, changes in the retina and various other structures in the eye can contribute to declining visual acuity, particularly concerning distinguishing colors and perceiving depth.

This decline in color perception can make it more challenging for elderly patients to differentiate between similar shades, which may impact their ability to interpret their environment accurately. Similarly, decreased depth perception can affect their balance and spatial orientation, increasing the risk of falls. These visual impairments are common and are often addressed in the clinical setting through appropriate interventions, such as ensuring adequate lighting or providing corrective lenses.

On the other hand, the other sensory options do not align with common changes observed in the elderly population. For instance, rather than an increased sensitivity in hearing or an enhanced sense of smell, older adults frequently experience hearing loss and diminished olfactory function. Likewise, improved tactile sensitivity is not typical as the sensory nerves may also diminish with age, impacting overall tactile acuity. Thus, understanding these age-related sensory changes can significantly enhance