Sensory impairments linked to higher healthcare costs and daily difficulties

A major population-based study has found that more than one-third of older adults in Singapore are unaware they have at least one eye disease, while significant hearing loss remains largely untreated among seniors.

One In Five Has Triple Sensory Loss
The findings come from the Singapore Eye Research Institute’s Population Health and Age-related Sensory Decline Profile, or Pioneer, study.

Tracking 2,636 Chinese, Malay and Indian adults aged 60 to 102 between December 2017 and October 2022, the study found that one in five seniors suffers from triple sensory loss affecting vision, hearing and smell.

Those with triple impairment were three times more likely to struggle with daily functioning, while their healthcare costs were four to six times higher.

Hearing Loss Largely Untreated
Researchers were particularly struck by the scale of hearing impairment.

About 70 per cent of older adults were found to have some form of hearing impairment, yet less than 1 per cent were using hearing aids.

Dr Preeti Gupta, clinician-scientist at SERI and co-investigator of the study, described the gap in sensory care as surprising.

Eye Diseases Often Undiagnosed
Around 43 per cent of seniors had visual impairment, including cataracts and undercorrected refractive errors — conditions that are generally treatable.

Two serious degenerative eye diseases — age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy — were found to be severely underdiagnosed. Approximately 90 per cent of affected participants were unaware of their condition.

The prevalence of undiagnosed cataract and glaucoma was higher among Malays and Indians compared with Chinese participants.

Poor Muscle Health Also Common
The study also highlighted broader age-related health concerns.

About 65 per cent of participants were overweight or obese, and 40 per cent had sarcopenia, a condition involving muscle loss.

Nearly 90 per cent showed signs of poor muscle health, including low grip strength, reduced muscle mass or slow walking speed.

Chinese participants had a higher prevalence of pre-sarcopenia, an early stage that can be reversed with proper nutrition and resistance training.

Sensory Loss Linked To Broader Health Risks
Professor Ecosse Lamoureux, the study’s principal investigator, said sensory impairments are closely linked to cognitive decline, brain health and frailty.

As Singapore’s population ages rapidly, he stressed the need for a holistic approach that considers how multiple bodily systems decline together.

Researchers are now exploring whether treating sensory impairments can help slow cognitive deterioration in a separate study.

Focus On Awareness And Engagement
The findings raise concerns about awareness and healthcare engagement among seniors across different ethnic groups.

Researchers aim to complete follow-up data collection by early 2027 to better determine whether sensory impairments directly contribute to conditions such as frailty.

The Pioneer study underscores the hidden burden of sensory decline among Singapore’s ageing population. With high rates of undiagnosed eye disease, untreated hearing loss and poor muscle health, experts say early screening, awareness and integrated care strategies are essential to help seniors live longer, healthier lives while containing rising healthcare costs.

Sources: Straits Times (2026)

Keywords: Pioneer Study Singapore, Age Related Sensory Decline, Undiagnosed Eye Disease, Hearing Aid Usage Singapore, Sarcopenia Elderly