Living fully and happily later in life is a universal goal. Living with low vision or blindness may require an extra dose of creativity and courage. And it means taking risks. Self-confidence , frankness , good communication , openness and humor will make all the difference.

People who see their true potential and are willing to take risks know that vision problems don’t have to mean an end to the type of life they love. Here are some suggestions from older people who have already gone through the process of vision loss.

Build up your self-confidence. Confidence will be one of your most important keys to success. Many people who experience vision loss have a difficult time at first. Information and advice are crucial to gaining self-confidence in staying independent.

You have years of experience and many interests. Which of them are you most enthusiastic about? Vision loss doesn’t necessarily mean that you must give them all up. But at first you may want to focus in on one or two of your greatest interests, learn to do them in new ways, and build confidence as you go.

For example, if you’ve always loved sewing your own clothes or making furniture, find out if there’s a class in your area for people with vision loss. Learn to use machinery safely and to make adaptations to your techniques. You’ll be surprised to find out what others are doing. And if you’re willing to take the risk, you might just surprise yourself, too.

Maybe you’ve intended to learn to use a computer so that you can use the Internet or exchange e-mail with your friends or your grandchildren. Don’t hesitate! Many public libraries, senior centers, and senior residences offer computer courses. These can be adapted to special equipment for people who are visually impaired or blind. Try going once just to observe others using adaptive equipment. You’ll be surprised at all the things that are possible, once you develop a “can-do” attitude. Take a risk and try something new.

Be frank with your family and friends. Tell them what you want them to know about your vision, your feelings, and your needs. Putting a “rosy glow” on everything doesn’t help if things aren’t going well. Friends and family are often the very best support group you will have.

Tell others that you have a vision impairment. One of the challenges of both blindness and low vision is that others may not easily spot them. Rather than embarrassing other people by telling them about your condition, as some fear, you will find that others appreciate knowing. You want to know when a person you’re talking with has a hearing problem, so you know not to turn you back when you speak to them. In the same way, others will want to know that you won’t always see what they show you. Everyone appreciates this kind of information, and you can put others at ease by letting them know what you can and can’t see.

Ask for assistance when needed. There are times when your own comfort and safety, or that of others, means you might need some information or assistance from someone else. A common-sense approach is best, since everyone needs help sometimes. Clearly request the help you need:

• “Could you tell me whether the women’s restroom door is to the right or the left?”
• “Is there a step ahead of me?”
• “Do you have a large-print menu, please?”

Most people want to be helpful—including you!

Cultivate your sense of humor! You’ve probably already experienced lots of spills, bumps, mistaken identities, and other embarrassing incidents. They’re a part of life, after all, and they happened before vision loss too. The ability to laugh and to make light of things that aren’t important is a real gift. Other visually impaired people will be able to share stories with you. The old cliché “laughter is the best medicine” is true.