In planning a secondary prevention project for a local retirement community, which topic should be included?

• A. Hearing screening only
• B. Vision screening only
• C. Vision and hearing screening
• D. Dental health screening

Answer: (C)

Focusing on secondary prevention in older adults means catching problems early to prevent their progression and preserve function and safety. Vision and hearing problems are highly prevalent in retirement communities and have immediate impacts on daily life—affecting balance, fall risk, communication, social participation, and the ability to manage medications or navigate environments. Screening for both senses allows timely interventions (such as glasses, hearing devices, or medical referrals) that can significantly reduce complications and maintain independence. Screening only one sense would miss other common impairments that still threaten safety and function. While dental health is important for overall well-being, it does not address the same range of functional risks tied to sensory decline, making the combination of vision and hearing screening the most comprehensive choice for this setting.