Sunday 20 May 2018

Understanding The Many Serious Issues Facing Aging Seniors

By Melissa Turner


Amazing advances in the fields of medicine and nutrition are only some of the factors contributing to the fact that people now live much longer than before. The average age of citizens of developed countries are getting higher and higher. One might think that a longer life would be a blessing but one must also not forget that old age holds its own unique challenges. There are many issues facing aging seniors and they are important ones.

One major issue faced by the majority of older people is their finances. Numerous people that nears retirement find, often to their shock, that their pension plans and savings will not be adequate to maintain the lifestyle they have always dreamed about. Many older people are forced to scale down dramatically and many more struggle to survive from day to day. This problem can be avoided, but only if proper plans are set in place at a much younger age.

It is only natural that elderly people grow frail. They are more apt to break bones, to be forced to live with limited eyesight and to deal with mobility problems. Even the lucky ones that can afford the services of a caregiver are often reluctant to admit that they have grown too weak or frail to manage from day to day. They are scared of losing control over their own lives.

It is a sad fact that so many elderly people are subjected to regular abuse. Those in care facilities are easy targets for bullies and indifferent staff. Sadly, in many cases these abused elderly people have no recourse against the abuse. If they complain to the management of the care facility, their complaints are all too often seen as nagging. Children too, abuse their elderly parents by making decisions on their behalf .

The cost of medical care is another major headache for many old people. The older one gets, the more frequently one needs medical attention and the more serious such treatment becomes. With the cost of decent medical care soaring, many older people find that their health insurance is not adequate to cover all their needs. Unfortunately, few old people have the cash reserves to take care of the shortfall.

Elderly people are at the risk of contraction a variety of serious and debilitating conditions such as Parkinson disease, blindness, Alzheimer and dementia. Many of them dread the very thought when they consider the idea. There dread is compounded when their friends contract such diseases. They fear that they will lose all independence and that they will become utterly dependent upon others to simply survive.

One of the biggest problems experienced by numerous elderly people is a devastating feeling of loneliness. Many old people in care facilities almost never see their families and they spend their days in isolation. They cannot enjoy the hobbies and activities that once made life fun and meaningful. As a result, many old people develop depression and other mental disorders.

As one grows older, it is vital to acknowledge the particular challenges that come with old age and to take timely steps to overcome those challenges. Families and communities also have a role to play. It is shameful to allow the elderly to live in isolation and often in dire need of help.




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