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 .

Quality medical care is also a major problem for many elderly people. The cost of specialist medical care has soared and older people need more frequent medical treatment. Many of them find that their health insurance simply do not cover the cost of all their medical needs. Sadly, very few has the cash to pay for such care themselves.

Most old people had friend that contracted some form of dread disease such as Parkinson, Dementia or Alzheimer. When they see the effects of these diseases they start to fear that they themselves will become the victim of a condition that will utterly rob them from the ability to lead a normal life. Unfortunately it is not possible to take fail safe precautions.

There are countless elderly people that spend their days and weeks and months in isolation. They become terribly lonely. Their families do not have time to visit them and they crave companionship. This is especially true for those that struggle to move around freely. Loneliness can indeed be debilitating. Many lonely old people develop serious psychological conditions such as depression.

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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