The student will develop an appreciation of the effects age related changes in vision have on daily living activities by participating in activities which simulate reduced color vision.

Appropriate for Grade Level: K-3 (May be adapted for older students.)

Many older adults experience a loss of ability to focus on objects at a close distance. This change usually begins in mid-life. Other visual changes that may occur later in life are: increased sensitivity to bright lights and glare, clouding of vision due to cataracts, and needing more time to shift focus from near to far, decrease in peripheral vision or other forms of vision loss. Approximately 95% of individuals over age 70 develop some form of vision loss. While there are many methods to compensate for these changes, older adults are likely to experience some problems with daily tasks due to vision related changes.

Plastic safety goggles - (several pair) lenses covered with yellow cellophane or
"Blue Blocker" sunglasses with yellow lenses

Bowl of candies in different colors (such as M&Ms) including some blue and green in color.

Assortment of crayons of different colors including some blue and green.


"What Color Am I?" Activity Center Sheet .PDF (download and print)

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Positively Aging® Curriculum Project
Teaching Materials
Unit 6: Challenges and Changes: Sensitivity to Vision & Hearing Compromises
Lesson 4: Living with Visual Impairments

Excellent source of background information on common eye disorders, activities, and directions for making a variety of impairment glasses are included.

NOTE: follow the instructions to register or login to access the curriculum.

From the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Aging Research and Education Center. (2001 Edition).  Positively Aging®: Choices and Changes. (Funded by Science Education Partnership Award, grant  #R25-RR-12369). San Antonio,Texas