Older Adults Are Better at Listening Than You Think
Contrary to popular belief, older persons may have improved hearing in noisy social settings. Ever sneer when your grandmother asks you to help clear the table after a meal with the family or gripe when your grandfather cheats during a competitive game of gin rummy? Given the likelihood that people can hear you more clearly than you realize, you might wish to talk less loudly. According to recent studies from Baycrest and Western University, older people may have better hearing in noisy environments than previously believed. Whether it's at a packed restaurant or a crowded family gathering, older folks may enjoy and process conversations better than earlier research have suggested. If this were to be true, it would improve their quality of life and give them the chance to meaningfully interact with people who are going through similar things, which would reduce their risk of developing dementia as social isolation is a risk factor for cognitive decline. Scientists have long hypothe...