Visual impairment and social isolation, depression and life satisfaction among older adults in Ghana: analysis of the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 2.
John TettehGladys FordjourGeorge Ekem-FergusonAnita Ohenewa YawsonVincent BoimaKow Entsuah-MensahRichard BiritwumAkye EssumanGeorge MensahAlfred Edwin YawsonPublished in: BMJ open ophthalmology (2020)
The prevalence of VI is associated with increasing age, educational level and self-rated health. VI was identified to be associated with social isolation, depression and diminishing life satisfaction. In order to achieve sustainable development goal #3, a national focus on geriatric care as part of the implementation of the National Ageing Policy will garner improvement in the quality of life of older adults with visual VI in Ghana. Eye health practitioners at all levels of the health systems should consider the psychosocial consequences of VI for the optimum care of the older adult client.