Changes in Adult Life: Adults 50+ with Sensory Loss
An increasing number of adults aged 50 and above experience loneliness, limited opportunities, and reduced quality of life due to visual impairment. Nevertheless, the growing group of adults aged 50 and above with visual impairment is an overlooked part of the population.
Individuals aged 50 and above with visual impairment struggle to leave their homes and participate in activities and social interactions. Often, assistance arrives too late, as visual impairment usually creeps in and is only detected when the damage is done. VELUX FONDEN aims to focus on the challenges faced by adults themselves, strengthen their resources, and contribute to ensuring they receive necessary assistance in a timely manner.
After the initial phase with the anniversary initiative, the foundation has decided to broaden its focus on sensory loss – especially visual and hearing impairment.
We focus on both the diseases, the adults themselves, their relatives, and social communities. There is an opportunity to apply for support for research into the treatment and detection of eye diseases and for projects that can help adults join communities and lead a daily life with fewer difficulties. We welcome applications from voluntary organizations, researchers, associations, municipalities, etc.
Do you have an idea for a project that can make a difference for adults with sensory loss?
To improve living conditions and quality of life for adults aged 50 and above with sensory loss, there is a need for both research, social projects, and concrete activities. We are interested in diverse projects that can assist adults with sensory loss. The foundation seeks a citizen-centric perspective in the projects. If you have an idea, please contact us.
More knowledge for more people
In collaboration with the Committee for Health Education and an expert panel, VELUX FONDEN has developed the website raadomsyn.dk. Here, adults with and without visual impairment, relatives, and relevant professionals can find information and share experiences about visual impairment.
Visit raadomsyn.dk
At the initiation of the initiative, a combined exhibition and experimentarium - SynsExpo, was established, which has visited several locations in the country.
Watch the video from SynsExpo's visit to Copenhagen City Hall.
General practitioners are tasked with identifying and treating patients with visual impairment. To create better conditions for general practitioners and patients with impaired vision, VELUX FONDEN has granted funds for a research project by general practitioner and researcher at the Institute of Public Health (University of Copenhagen), Frans Boch Waldorff. The project aims to develop and test an intervention in general practice, specifically targeting improved detection and treatment of patients with visual impairment.
Watch Frans Boch Waldorff talk about his project.
Grant for validated light assessment method
VELUX FONDEN has granted funds to scale and adapt the N-Lited method, developed by the Center for Special Education in Slagelse. The method is designed to better support citizens with perceived vision difficulties in seeing what they want to see. The N-Lited method includes, among other things, the use of a narrative interview, a VR/AR headset for family members, and a light laboratory where different light scenarios are tested. The method is the only validated light assessment method used in Denmark and will now be adapted and scaled for other vision centers, benefiting even more citizens with vision difficulties.
Watch the video about CSU Slagelse and the N-Lited method.
There is not much knowledge about older individuals with visual impairment and their possibilities, conditions, and quality of life. Therefore, VIVE has prepared a report along with an inspiration catalog on the lives of seniors and their challenges with visual impairment, as well as providing advice for older individuals with age-related eye diseases and their relatives.
Download VIVE's report here and VIVE's inspiration catalog here.
