Sharp vision and hearingNearly

Sharp vision and hearingNearly half of all people will have a cataract, a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, by the time they are 65. Age also is the greatest risk factor for macular degeneration (deterioration of retinal cells) and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).One in three people older than 60 and half of those older than 85 have a hearing loss, with men affected at two times the rate of women.Taking control: Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and a hat, not smoking, taking a multivitamin daily and eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruit and other foods with antioxidants. By age 60, eye exams should be once a year.Have your hearing tested at least every three years starting at age 50. Wear earplugs when exposed to loud noises.You should know: Glaucoma is 15 times more likely to cause blindness in African-Americans 45- to 65-year-olds than in Whites of the same age.Men appear to be more likely than women to suffer from noise-induced hearing loss, such as from a rock concert or lawn mower.Also consider: A one-time ultrasound scan for an aortic abdominal aneurysm between the ages of 65 and 75 might be a good idea. The scan may detect a potentially fatal aneurysm, or "ballooned" blood vessel, before it ruptures. The test is especially important for men who smoke or have smoked.