The impact of vision loss on quality of life, anxiety, and loneliness in older adults

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of our research was to determine the impact of vision loss on quality of life, anxiety, and loneliness in older adults. Methods: Empirical data was gathered through a series of questionnaires and a personal data form. The assessment tools included the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF questionnaire. The study involved a total of 149 older adults. Results: Our research findings confirm that seniors with visual impairment experience a reduced quality of life across all studied areas compared to the general population. Women with visual impairment only showed a significantly lower quality of life in the domain of social functioning. Seniors with visual impairment reported moderate to high levels of loneliness, with women experiencing higher rates of loneliness. Additionally, seniors exhibited high levels of anxiety, and a correlation was confirmed between lower quality of life and increasing age. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between quality of life in the physical health domain and both state and trait anxiety in seniors, as well as between environmental quality of life and current anxiety levels. Conclusion: Visual impairment has a significant personal and global impact. The aging population is experiencing a significant increase in the prevalence of vision impairment, which adversely affects the quality of life, mental health, and social interactions of older adults.