[Seeing in the dark: limited vision in the aged as a prototypical "environmentally relevant" loss in competence]

Abstract

In the conceptual part of this article, the existential dimension of experiencing a dramatic visual loss in late life is highlighted. Three theoretical avenues are proposed to approach age-related vision loss: 1) a stress and burden perspective; 2) a coping perspective, 3) an environmental psychology perspective. The empirical study is based on 84 elderly subjects suffering from vision loss (42 visually impaired, 42 blind), a comparison group of 42 subjects with mobility impairments, and a control group of 42 healthy subjects (particularly not impaired in vision or mobility). In all impaired groups, the impairment appeared after the age of 55 years; identification of subjects was based on medical expertise. Mean age varies between groups from 75 to 78 years with 30 females and 12 males in each group. Data based on person (e.g., ADL-functioning, subjective well-being, depressivity) as well as person-environment-transaction measures (e.g., microecology within the house, action range outside the house) were collected. Results revealed a reduced ADL-competence, lower subjective well-being, higher depressivity, and a shrinkage of action range in subjects suffering from visual loss. However, there was also a need for a differential perspective: For example, depending on person variables (living alone/not alone, degree of visual loss, coping style, coexisting illnesses), a different "resilience" against environmental pressure was observed. These findings point to the importance of a "differential" environmental gerontology.