Working with older people

Our population is ageing. Although it can affect anyone at any time, losing our sight becomes increasingly likely as we get older. Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss. This includes
  • 1 in 5 over 75 years old
  • 1 in 2 over 90 years old.

If you work with older people, this section offers information about the latest research, news, policy, products and resources in relation to older people with sight loss.

Research and policy

RNIB believes in an evidence based approach to supporting policy and resource development for professionals working with blind and partially sighted older people. The research and policy section provides a gateway to the latest research and policy work RNIB and external organisations have undertaken in these areas.

In addition, our older people and sight loss: key research page, provides information on key external research reports that professionals working in health and social care should be aware of. In this section, you can also find the latest facts and figures in relation to older people and sight loss.


News and updates

Find out the latest news and resources for professionals from RNIB and the wider sight loss sector.

You can also explore how to make your services more accessible for older people with sight loss with our latest guide 'Seeing it from their side - Adapting older people's services to support sight loss' .

Resources for professionals

RNIB provides a range of useful resources, guidance, good practice and standards for professionals working with older people with sight loss. You can find the latest resources in relation to:

Events for professionals

Visit our Events for professionals page to find out the latest professional development opportunities in relation to Older people and sight loss.


Products for older people

With support and the right products, many older people with sight problems and other disabilities can remain independent. Find out more about the latest specially selected products to support older people with sight loss from lighting and magnifiers to products for the home.


'Older people' update newsletter

Our Older people update is a quarterly e-newsletter featuring the latest research, policy, resources and news for professionals working with older people.

Subscribe to the Older People update and please remember to include:
  • your full name
  • your preferred email format (HTML or plain text).

You will be added to the email list for the upcoming Older People update.

Last updated: 7 May 2013

Make a donation

Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.

Helping people with sight problems

General information about sight problems, and ways in which blind and partially sighted people can be helped and supported.

Eye health

All about eye conditions, opticians and hospital, how to take care of your eyes, further sources of help and our guide to coping with sight loss.

Reduce your risk of falls

Falls put you at risk of serious injury. Reduce your risk with our simple fall prevention measures, from reviewing your medications to hazard-proofing your home.