Top 10 Concerns That Seniors Face
As we get older, we
hope that our lives will become easier. We anticipate retirement as the
time in our lives when we can finally relax. While the golden years can
be some of the best years of our life, there are always concerns.
Senior citizens have challenges to overcome that are universal to all
ages as well as some issues that are specific to their age group.
The top ten concerns facing senior citizens today include:
- Health Care
Costs – The older we get, the more healthcare we need. It is important
to get screenings for disease and natural aging conditions to catch any
health issues in their beginning stages. While doctor visits multiply,
medical costs are rising, which can impact one’s retirement budget. Make
sure you have signed up for Medical/Medicare, these programs are there to help make the cost of health care a little more bearable.
- Disease – Alzheimer’s, dementia, cataracts, macular degeneration, and osteoporosis
– these health issues and more threaten a person’s day-to-day
functioning capabilities. We all know that health issues progress with
age. It is important to learn more about coping with health issues
before they happen in order to prepare mentally. Make sure to discuss
with your doctor any issues you may have noticed since your last visit.
Make sure someone is keeping records of your doctor visits, along with
what the doctor has to say, any changes or additions to medications, and
any tests they may require and the outcome. You expect your doctor to
know your history but often times they do not and things can be missed.
You, or a family member need to be your own health care advocate to
ensure your health records are accurate.
- Physical
Aging – Aging means that we cannot move as quickly as we used to. Our
eyes don’t see as clearly and our bones weaken. Nutrition and exercise
become all the more important as we age. Even a walk to the end of the
block and back gets you exercise and Vitamin D, it is important to get
out every day and get fresh air and sunshine.
- Physical
Assistance – Getting groceries, going to doctor’s visits, even small
tasks such as cleaning the house become more difficult as we get older
and we may need to have daily assistance or a homecare provider. Finding
good help can be a challenge. There are many wonderful In-Home Care
companies that A Senior Connection works with and they all offer
services to help you get to doctor’s appointments and other errands;
light housekeeping, and meal preparation, as well as assistance with
all activities of daily living that are needed.
- Financial
Security – The rising cost of living while living on a fixed income
poses new financial restrictions. We may not be able to afford the same
comforts of life that we used to. Talking to a financial advisor such as
Planning for Seniors will assist you fund long term care expenses while maintaining their financial assets.
- Loneliness –
Getting older means that our friends are aging, as well. It is common
for seniors to lose their friends to Alzheimer’s disease or even death.
Spending time with remaining friends and family members becomes all the
more important. There are wonderful Adult Day Care Programs and Senior Centers
to keep yourself active and allow you to keep up with old friends and
even make new ones! A pet can be wonderful for daily companionship, as
well. The Sacramento SPCA even has senior discounts and programs to help seniors who would like to have a pet for companionship.
- Financial
Predators – Sadly, it is a fact that there are unscrupulous people
looking to prey on senior citizens. They will try to sell unnecessary
goods or services to those they see as vulnerable. Share your financial
decisions with someone you trust. DO NOT GIVE OUT ANY PERSONAL
INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE PERSON. A bank, the
IRS, and other reputable companies will not call you and ask for your
personal information. If someone does ask, this is a sign they may be
trying to scam you! The FBI has wonderful information on what to look for in a scam artist.
- Abuse or
Neglect – Nursing homes and assisted living facilities struggle with
under-staffing issues, which can lead to abuse or neglect of the
residents. Be sure to find a place to live that comes highly recommended
by people you trust. If you ever feel your loved one is being abused or
neglected and you live in Sacramento you can contact the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and they will help you.
- Transportation
– Our reflexes can slow as we age and our eyes can become less clear.
This may lead us to give up driving for our safety and the safety of
others. Thankfully, transportation is available specifically for those
who need it, including seniors.
- Changing
social climate – Adjusting to technological changes is probably the
largest social hurdle we can face as senior citizens. See your local
library for free classes on using computers. Senior Computer School in Sacramento is a great place to meet new people and learn how to keep up with today’s technology.
A SENIOR CONNECTION
We specialize in helping families with Assisted Living, Residential Home Placement and In-Home Care Services.
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