Millions of older Britons likely to have undiagnosed sight and hearing problems, study finds

Those affected at risk of falls, mental ill-health and leading socially restricted lives, say doctors

Millions of people aged 50 or over in the UK are predicted to have undiagnosed sight or hearing problems, prompting calls for that age group to have checkups more regularly.

Doctors involved in the related research said the findings were deeply concerning", and warned that those affected were at risk of falls, mental ill-health and leading socially restricted lives.

6.7 million people in the UK aged 50 or over have trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

2.4 million of them are visually impaired in one eye

20.3 million people have some form of hearing loss in one or both ears

7.7 million people cannot hear clearly with both ears