Age-related eye diseases will be a topic of growing concern as the aging population increases. Representing the American Optometric Association (AOA), Dr. Peter Shaw-McMinn answered eye-health questions posed by convention-goers visiting the AOA's Aging in America exhibit.

Dr. Shaw-McMinn was distributing a particularly interesting AOA flier entitled "Vision and Saftey Tips for Older Drivers." Among other useful recommendations, it offers advice on recognizing important vision changes that can occur after age 50. The signs include:

• Requiring more light to see adequately at night or on overcast days,
• Less sharpness in one's vision under certain lighting conditions,
• Increased difficulty in changing focus from near to far or vice versa,
• Increased sensitivity to bright sunlight and glare,
• Less ability to see to the side while looking ahead, and
• Less ability to quickly and accurately distinguish colors.

The AOA advises bringing such changes to the attention of one's optometrist. Other short informational publications of the AOA include:

• Glaucoma
• Dry Eye
• Cataracts
• Diabetes and Your Eyes
• Common Vision Conditions

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is a Las Vegas-based nonprofit devoted to the battle against Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, as well as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other memory disorders. At the center's Aging in America booth, administrative services manager LeeAnn Mandarino dispersed related literature including volume 1 of "New Thinking About Thinking" magazine. Inside, an article discusses the difference between forgetfulness and neurodegeneration and shares these signs of a serious memory problem:　

• "Not being able to follow directions.
• "Becoming lost in places you know well.
• "Asking the same question over and over.
• "Getting confused about time, people, and places.
• "Not taking care of yourself -- eating poorly, not bathing, or being unsafe."

To help keep memory sharp, the article offers good-sense advice, such as seeking help for feelings of depression that last for weeks at a time; using memory tools like calendars and lists; keeping your wallet, keys, or purse in the same place; volunteering; socializing; avoiding excessive alcohol use; learning a new skill; obtaining adequate rest and exercise; and eating a healthful diet.

SAMHSA stands for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a government agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that provides excellent publications on mental health topics free of charge.

At the SAMHSA booth, senior exhibit outreach specialist Rebecca Willingham pointed out a SAMHSA pamphlet of special interest to SFA president Janie Clark. Entitled "Aging, Medicines and Alcohol," it contains helpful tips for seniors and can be ordered cost-free for distribution to your health-fitness participants.

In addition to other practical advice, "Aging, Medicine and Alcohol" makes note of the fact that medicine and alcohol misuse can happen unintentionally, so it's important to be able to recognize a problem if one exists. Signs include:

• Memory lapses after taking medicine or drinking;
• Loss of coordination, such as unsteady walking or frequent falling;
• Unexplained bruising;
• Changes in sleeping patterns;
• Experiencing unexplained chronic pain;
• Feeling unsure of oneself;
• Feeling sad, irritable, or depressed;
• Loss of interest in one's usual activities;
• Problems keeping in touch with friends and family;
• Wanting to stay alone much of the time;
• Having trouble concentrating;
• Having trouble finishing sentences;
• Changes in eating habits;
• Failure to bathe or keep clean.

SAMHSA recommends many useful steps to avoid or rectify medication and alcohol problems in older adults. These include reading one's medication labels (and checking whether alcohol should not be used with the particular drug), carefully following directions, communicating clearly with one's physician and pharmacist, asking questions, and obtaining written instructions.