Although readers do not know Phoenix's specific age, it is clear she is very old and frail. She has difficulty seeing and faces many obstacles as she walks along the worn path into town. One of the things Phoenix has trouble seeing is the scarecrow, which she initially thinks is a ghost. Later, Phoenix doesn't notice a black dog approaching her as she is sitting down, meditating. When Phoenix finally receives the medicine for her grandson, she must hold the bottle close to her eyes to see it. 

It is interesting to note, however, that Phoenix has other skills beyond sight that help her navigate the world. One example of this is when she walks across the log with her eyes closed. Relying upon her balance rather than her sight, she is able to walk across the log without stumbling. When the shiny nickel falls out of the hunter's pocket, she sees a flash of light and knows money has fallen to the ground. While Phoenix's eyes are getting weaker as she gets older, she still manages to reach her goal of getting her grandson's medicine.