It is a common phenomenon for us humans to fail to notice slow-evolving changes that we are exposed to daily or at regular intervals. For example, we may be quick to notice a change to a friend’s hair color or a new pair of glasses, but the monthly change in height of a young child growing up in our own home typically does not register until we step back and compare the subtle changes to a picture or height marks scribbled on a door frame. Psychologists use terms such as habituation, change blindness, or inattentional blindness to describe this phenomenon.

Unfortunately, this same phenomenon exists as we view the changes occurring to our aging selves or the aging loved ones in our lives. As time progresses, our mind takes in the visual images and understanding of these slow-evolving changes and organizes them so quickly that they overlap and morph in such a way that we fail to recognize the change itself. And, too often, we fail to notice that we or our loved ones have progressed to a point of vulnerability. That is unless we step back and take inventory of the at-risk factors for seniors.

There are several at-risk factors that we need to be aware of and continue to assess:

• Forgetfulness
• Inability to drive
• Isolation
• Frequent falls
• Poor nutrition
• Medication management
• Financial vulnerability
• Legal affairs

If you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to act. LivWell Seniors wants you to know you are not alone, our senior resource specialists can provide invaluable assistance in navigating this journey, ensuring that you or your loved one receives the appropriate care and support to maintain a fulfilling and dignified life during the aging process. To reach out to a senior resource specialist, simply click the phone icon at the bottom right of the app.