Age can Diminish Hand-Eye Coordination

We use hand-eye coordination constantly for all kinds of everyday activities that rely on dexterity and reaction time such as driving, cooking or maintaining our safety by grabbing a handrail. Coordination between what our eyes take in and the signal the brain sends to our arms and hands declines with age. Experts say hand-eye coordiantion is an important skill, and one we need to help maintain our independence but like other cognitive skills, it can be trained and improved.

Dr. Andrew Budson, a neurologist and chief of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at VA Boston Healthcare System, explains hand-eye coordination involves our reflexes, speed and accuracy, which diminishes due to vision loss, poor health or changes in brain wiring. Other reasons for the loss include ministrokes in the brain that disrupt connections in important brain coordination centers as well as age-related loss of dopamine, which helps regulate movement and coordination.  

Researchers reported on a relationship between advanced age and a decline in fine motor skills in a 2014 study. It found “age-related changes in the structure, function, and biochemistry of the brain affect motor skills; which can account for the decline in hand-eye coordination seen in people as they age.” Additionally neuromuscular communication and changes in visual perception are not as strong as when we are young and may also affect hand-eye coordination.  

Exercises to improve hand-eye reflexes include swimming and tai chi along with activities such as playing catch and juggling. Experts recommend discussing the problem with your physician as they can refer you to a physical therapist who will suggest a range of activities designed to improve hand-eye coordination. 

 

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Source: healthline.com/health/hand-eye-coordination#causes