Disadvantages of a Senior Citizen

Is growing old a blessing or a misfortune? Being able to reach old age is something to be thankful for. Every day is a gift from God; and living longer means having more days to live a life of love, joy, and adventure. But there are also challenges that faces the elderly as they march on with life.

According to SmithLife Homecare, here are the biggest challenges that elderly people faces:

• A lost sense of purpose

When life slows down for the elderly, they may begin to lose sight of their purpose or relevance. With age comes changes, and these changes can make seniors feel that they are worthless and forgotten. And they would feel like life is meaningless.

Since a strong sense of purpose in life is directly related to better health, it is important that every senior feels that they still have something to contribute to the world. This way they will enjoy life to the fullest even in their senior years.

• Financial insecurity

Most seniors face financial challenges brought about by insufficient retirement savings, rising health-care cost, and uncertainty of social security benefits. These financial challenges can cause a lot of anxiety for the seniors, which can affect their mental and physical well-being. It is important that seniors are being provided support and guidance to navigate these issues.

• Difficulty with everyday tasks and mobility

With age, the mobility and dexterity of a person will naturally decline, which makes everyday tasks more difficult to accomplish. This can prevent them from being social, pursuing interests, or taking part in activities they enjoy. It is important that the elderly are supported by products and programs that focus on safety, balance, fitness, and mobility so they can continue to thrive as an individual.

• Finding the right care provision

Most elderly people require additional care as an aged body can only do so much daily. Most of this additional care are  provided by family members. But when supplementary care services is needed, it is important that these caregivers have the right training to help them deliver the best care to the elderly.

• Access to health-care services

Health care can be complicated for elderly people, especially those needing long-term care. It is important that an efficient and coordinated health care is in place for the elderly. This means different medical personnel and clinics coordinate the delivery of medication and other types of care.

• End-of-life preparations

Although death is a difficult topic for people to discuss or make plans for, elderly individuals (and their families) need to discuss this inevitability.

Knowing the challenges that comes with old age, how can the elderly handle them and still live life to the fullest? Here are some tips shared by HelpGuide.org:

• Learn to cope with change. It is important to build resilience and find healthy ways to cope with challenges that comes with aging. 
• Focus on the things you’re grateful for.Stressing on what was lost won’t serve you. Appreciating and enjoying of what one has is more beneficial to your well-being.
• Acknowledge and express your feelings.Denying what you’re going through is not healthy, and its effects are hidden and unconscious. It is essential then to find healthy ways to process your feelings.
• Accept the things you can’t change.Rather than stressing the things in life that are beyond your control, focus on the things you can.
• Look for the silver lining.When faced with major challenges, it is important to see them as opportunities for personal growth.
• Take daily action to deal with life’s challenges.When a challenge happen, ignoring it won’t make it go away. Take things one small step at a time, and soon you are on your way to conquering your challenges.
• Staying healthy through humor, laughter, and play. As they say, laughter is the best medicine. It helps you stay balanced, energetic, joyful, and healthy at any age.
• Find meaning and joy. It is essential that you continue to find meaning and joy in life. Old age can be an exciting time filled with new adventures if you let it. How? Try following these suggestions:
• Pick up a long-neglected hobbyor try a new hobby.
• Learn a new instrument, a foreign language, or a new sport.
• Get involved in your community.
• Travel
• Spend time in nature.
• Visit a museum, go to a concert or a play, join a book group, or take an art appreciation class.
• Write your memoirsor a play about your life experiences

Yes, there will be challenges as one goes older, but with proper planning and support of not just the immediate family but the community as well, the senior years can be enjoyed and appreciated. We must count ourselves blessed when we are able reach our senior years no matter the challenges it brings.

Sources:

Clearday. “Disadvantages of Aging in Place of Home.” Last modified January 28, 2022. https://myclearday.com/disadvantages-of-aging-in-place-at-home/.

Fabien, Joyette. “Ageing: Pros and Cons of Becoming an Older Person.” Last modified August 18, 2020. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ageing-pros-cons-becoming-older-person-joyette-fabien.

Smith Life Homecare. “What Are the Biggest Challenges and Problems for Elderly People in Our Society.” Accessed July 14, 2024. https://www.smithlifehomecare.com/blog/what-are-the-biggest-challenges-for-elderly-people-in-our-society/.