Senior citizens face numerous challenges, from finances to chronic health conditions. These issues are the focus of several organizations and groups designed to address them. AARP is one of the largest and most influential of these organizations, which offers discounts to its members and regularly lobbies Congress on issues affecting the elderly. Members make up about 40 percent of the population over 50. Here are some of the most common problems faced by senior citizens in our society.
Symptoms
Various signs and symptoms can point to a senior citizen’s mental illness. Alterations in routines by wil mac living explored by such as eating, dressing, and home maintenance can all be signs of a crisis. A senior may become more unclean and lose their appetite, for instance, or they may forgo daily activities. While many of these behaviors may seem minor, they are signs of a mental illness. Below are some common symptoms of aging and mental health issues.
Social isolation: As an aging adult, seniors often isolate themselves from their social circles. They may stop engaging in activities they once enjoyed and begin to withdraw from socializing altogether. The National Institute on Aging warns that social isolation increases the risk of developing both physical and mental conditions. Because of this, it is vital to keep an eye on your aging loved one. Although occasional forgetfulness is normal, persistent memory loss is not.
Common chronic health conditions
Most senior citizens live with at least one chronic health condition. Unfortunately, many of them will develop more than one. The National Council on Aging reveals some ways to improve the health of older people and avoid developing new conditions. Below are the top 10 chronic conditions that affect senior citizens and what you can do to manage or prevent them. These conditions may be more common than you think and can have significant financial, social, and emotional consequences.
Although normal aging is a key part of senior life, many seniors also experience vision and hearing loss. Immune system function declines as people age, making them more susceptible to disease. Other common chronic health conditions include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and mobility disabilities. These diseases will continue to increase in prevalence as the population ages and the amount of obesity in the population increases. To prevent and manage these conditions, clinicians must consider the goals and needs of senior patients.
Financial challenges
The cost of health care is one of the most pressing financial concerns facing senior citizens. Unfortunately, many older adults do not have pensions or savings to cover the cost of their medical care. Others may have made bad investment choices or have never given retirement planning much thought. Whatever the case, these seniors need financial assistance. The following are some of the most important financial issues facing senior citizens today. Read on to learn more about how you can help your loved one.
Despite improvements in the economic status of older adults over the past four decades, many remain disadvantaged in society. Seniors often fall through the social safety net provided by government programs. Out-of-pocket medical expenses increase as the person ages and as the number of medical conditions increases. The higher the number of chronic medical conditions, the higher the out-of-pocket medical expenses. Food insecurity is another major issue facing older adults. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 6.5% of elderly households experience food insecurity. More than 7 percent of elderly individuals live alone and have limited financial resources.
Housing options
There are several housing options for older adults in society. They can live in their own homes or with family members. This option is advantageous for older adults who are still able to take care of themselves but would prefer more support. Alternatively, they can choose to live in an assisted living facility. These communities offer help with activities of daily living, such as cooking and cleaning, as well as traveling to doctor’s appointments and other events.
In addition to aging in place, senior citizens may need some level of care as they age. They may opt for retirement communities or assisted living facilities. The benefits of senior living communities are numerous. Assisted living facilities provide care for senior citizens, and aging-in-place homes are designed to enable seniors to age comfortably in their own homes. In addition, these communities offer safety and security, which is a must for aging in place.
Mistreatment
The mistreatment of senior citizens in society comes in many forms and can include sexual abuse, denying the older person basic needs, or abandoning them without their consent. It also includes depriving an older person of medications, comfort, or access to health care. Examples of abuse include sexual acts that are unwanted or averted from a caregiver’s presence. Passive neglect, on the other hand, occurs when a caregiver does not provide basic needs to an older person.
Many caregivers and adult children feel it is their duty to make decisions for older adults. However, this action is often accompanied by a false sense of empowerment and a loss of dignity for the older person. The denial of decision-making opportunities is a common form of psychosocial abuse. The Ministry of Citizenship and Elder Affairs has been working on ways to combat elder abuse and to prevent it. This program is a first step to addressing the issue of physical, emotional, and systemic abuse.
Abuse
Many elders may suffer from various forms of abuse. These behaviors may be subtle and difficult to recognize, which is why researchers advise caregivers to take suspicious behaviors seriously. Abuse of senior citizens can occur by anyone in a position of power and trust, including family members and friends. Relationships of trust include marriages, children, and relatives. Perpetrators may groom the elderly person and manipulate them to control their estate.
Physical abuse can involve physical pain, injury, or sexual contact. The abuser may also isolate the victim so that others do not know about it. Sexual abuse can be sexual acts such as pornographic material being read in front of the senior, denying the older person privacy when bathing, and more. Some forms of abuse are criminal, so any alleged abuse should be reported to the police. The victim may experience shame or stress because of the abuse.