Q: I’m 77 years old and I remember my eyes used to be dark brown, but now they’re grey. My doctor said that’s normal. Are my eyes really getting less brown?
A: The colour of your iris usually stays the same throughout your life, but the cornea (the clear surface in front of the iris) can get a little cloudy over time. This is from normal lipid deposits, often within the outside edge of the cornea. If this happens in younger adults, we would wonder about blood lipid levels and that can be investigated of course.
Community News
Who Will Speak for You?
Advance care planning can provide you and your family with valuable peace of mind. By exploring various health and treatment options available and choosing a path that honours your beliefs and values, you can document this information and designate someone to be your voice should a time come when you are unable to speak for yourself. Studies show a significant reduction in depression following the death of a family member when the end of life wishes have been made known because it reduces the stress of making decisions at a time when families may have conflicting values, feelings, and opinions.
Fear of Falls Causes Unsafe Behavior
Someone who is fearful of falls, may start to avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to the loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This deterioration of your physical being increases the risk of falling and, when a fall does occur, the fear is further heightened. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions: remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars, wear sensible shoes and consider participating in a group session with others who are anxious about falling.
Community Announcement
Comox Valley Senior Support Society addresses the well-being of seniors though the provision of non-medical support services.
The Friendly Visitor Program assists Comox Valley seniors who are experiencing isolation and loneliness, or who are feeling vulnerable due to challenging situations they face or endure. This program has been operating via telephone or Zoom for the last 14 months; In person will resume as soon as Public Health Orders allow.
Available Resources
The Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health works to promote seniors’ mental health by connecting people, ideas, and resources. CCSMH.ca. Crisis. Thinking of suicide? Please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free, 24/7 or visit ChrisisServicesCanada.ca
Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888, available 24/7
Pain BC aims to enhance the well-being of all people living with pain through empowerment, care, education and innovation. This can’t be done without changing the systems that people in pain rely on to live well. PainBC.ca
Available Resources
The Comox Valley Division of Family Practice is committed to achieving meaningful change that benefits patients, doctors, and the community. DivisionsBC.ca/Comox-Valley. The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Office, BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. BounceBackBC.ca or 1 (866) 639 0522.
Available Resources
The Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and issues in B.C. and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The OSA was established in 2014 and is the first office of its kind in Canada. 1-877-952-3181. SeniorsAdvocateBC.ca
Alzheimer Society
Whether you want to learn more about the programs and services offered or find dementia-related information specific to your needs, the Alzheimer Society has the education and resources to help you. Alzheimer.ca/bc/en or 1-800-936-6033.
Available Resources
LUSH Valley Food Action Society offers a Community Good Food Box. Community Boxes can be ordered by everyone through the online Good Food Box Store. This is a great way to get local food at a great value while also supporting LUSH Valley and local farms. You can support others in our community by purchasing an additional “Gift Box” with your order that will go to someone who would not be able to afford it otherwise. LushValley.org
Available Resources
The Comox Valley Community Health Network is a community-driven network that facilitates collective action to positively impact the social determinants of health in the Comox Valley. We believe a healthy, sustainable, resilient community is a shared responsibility. CVCHN.ca
Community Announcement
Comox Valley Senior Support Society is a British Columbia registered, federal charity (Charity # BN 896568417 RR0001). Partial funding for programs is provided through Island Health and the United Way of the Lower Mainland. The remainder of operating costs are covered by donations from valuable, and greatly appreciated donors. Tax receipts for donations are issued upon request. Donations can be made online via our website at ComoxValleySeniorSupport.ca/Donate.
