Old age is something to look forward to and be celebrated. With modern healthcare and services like independent and assisted living, seniors enjoy a much higher quality of life. However, some challenges and inconveniences associated with aging are often unavoidable.
Challenges facing seniors are something that most people don’t think about until it happens to them or a loved one.
Financial Security
Financial security is one of the biggest and most concerning challenges facing seniors.
According to a study by AARP, 83% of low and moderate-income adults over 50 struggle with financial health.
Even if seniors have planned meticulously and saved throughout life, it is impossible to know precisely how much money is needed to sustain a quality of life for the long term. While seniors are living longer and are willing to work during retirement, finding opportunities as a senior is difficult.
In addition, seniors can often face unexpected expenses such as sharp increases in property tax or medical bills. Financial issues can cause a significant amount of stress for seniors, contributing to the development or worsening of health issues.
Lost Sense of Purpose
The responsibilities that come with everyday life pre-retirement give us a sense of purpose, even if it is small. Things like raising children and working every day often provide a feeling of usefulness that we take for granted.
When seniors retire and their kids are grown, it can sometimes be challenging to fill the void. Finding a sense of purpose in retirement is important because it can be an effective stress reliever and contribute to the desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Independent or assisted living communities provide excellent support in helping seniors find purpose during retirement. Through daily social activities, group outings, and the chance to develop new hobbies, seniors can find a renewed vitality and enjoy retirement.
Difficulty with Everyday Tasks
As we age, mobility, flexibility, and agility will naturally decline. Even seniors who lead incredibly healthy lifestyles may at some point experience issues with agility and mobility. These issues can make everyday tasks more challenging to complete.
When seniors have trouble with mobility, they can become frustrated and lose interest in things that seem challenging to do, like traveling or cooking. Difficulty completing everyday tasks is one of the most underreported challenges facing seniors.
Family members should be observant and check in often to ensure their loved ones can carry out their regular necessities.
Transportation
As seniors get older and experience a decline in physical and cognitive abilities, independent transportation may become more complex.
Regarding challenges facing seniors, transportation limitations can be easily addressed by family members, friends, or caregivers stepping in to assist. Seniors who transition to independent or assisted living can also take advantage of transportation services provided by the community.
Loneliness
One of the most difficult challenges facing seniors is feelings of loneliness. Loneliness takes a toll not only on the mental health of seniors but also on their physical health.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, isolation and loneliness are linked to a number of chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and depression.
Loneliness is more common among seniors who live alone. They’re more likely to lose contact with friends and family and can quickly develop feelings of isolation. Transitioning seniors into an assisted or independent living community is a great way to ensure they experience the social connection they need.
Physical and Mental Aging
Another common experience among seniors is the feelings and limitations of aging. The physical and mental decline can be one of the most frustrating challenges facing seniors.
Over time, seniors may find that they aren’t as sharp as they once were, or they aren’t as mobile or flexible. Even though these changes occur gradually, to some seniors, it can feel like they happened overnight.
Physical and mental aging can impact almost anything that seniors do on a daily basis, from cooking to socializing to transportation. When seniors experience a decline in their physical or mental health, that may be a good time to explore a transition to an assisted living community.
Senior Living at Caring Places Management
At Caring Places Management, our dedicated staff is well educated on the challenges facing seniors and how to help. Our services and amenities ensure that residents enjoy retirement regardless of their physical or mental abilities.
In addition, our friendly communities provide ample opportunities to stay active, be social, and combat the effects of loneliness. We believe that all seniors should live up to their full potential and thoroughly enjoy their retirement for years to come.
To learn more about our services and our approach to addressing challenges facing seniors, get in touch with us today.
