[Reading ability and need for reading aids, inadequate management of a nursing home population]

In our society people are getting older and often become handicapped and immobile. Reading then is one of their main passtime and very important for their social integration and independence.

Seventy-seven (6 males, 71 females) randomly chosen elderly people (age ranged from 77 to 94 years, mean: 85.5 years) staying in nursing homes were examined concerning their reading ability of newspaper print with their own reading equipment. Exclusion criteria were extensive organic diseases and impaired mental ability, such as dementia. Relevant anamnestic data, including ophthalmologic, family and social history were ascertained by questionnaire. Special attention was given to visual acuity for near distance, reading ability, motivation and personal reading aids. Further questions dealt with general diseases, medication, social contacts inside and outside the nursing homes and the former occupation of the patient. If reading of newspaper print with individual glasses was impossible, the effect of magnification was evaluated and the magnification factor was determined (Zeiss reading charts).

Thirty-eight people (45%) were unable to read with their own reading glasses. 91% of them regained reading ability by magnification, they had inadequate visual aids. 77% of this group had a magnification requirement of 1 to 3 times, 14% needed 10 to 25 times of magnification and 9% more than 25 times. Only one person had an electronic magnifying reading system (CCTV).

Reading aids of elderly people very frequently are insufficient. Magnification can be helpful in most cases and various magnification systems are available. With this support elderly people could regain their quality of life, their independence and socialization. Nursing costs could also be reduced.