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Biggest Senior Concerns

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Health and financial security is a prime concern to seniors. In a survey sponsored by the National Council on Aging, found that financial security (71% of seniors) comes ahead of staying involved with family and friends (68%) but women are even more vulnerable than men to financial matters.

The study names other worrisome factors like health care and prescription drug costs. The other two are being a burden to family and losing independence.

Individuals who help a loved one will risk losing their financial security because they quit their job or work part-time to become a caregiver. They forfeit contributing to their retirement fund and saving accounts.

The Caregiving Dilemma

Family caregiving has always been the cornerstone of our healthcare system. But that segment dwindles.

In 2016, nearly 15 percent of women ages 40-44 hadn’t given birth and were childless, up from 10 percent in 1976, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A 2013 report from AARP projects that by 2040, about 21 percent of the older, disabled population will be childless.

The number of childless older people in the UK expects to double by 2030, putting huge pressure on a health and social care system that is already struggling to support the vulnerable, warned Kirsty Woodard, founder of the Ageing Well Without Children.

Older adults strapped with money insecurity now take on another challenge, paying for personal care at home.

If you’re in this situation, have you thought about how you will find help and support in the years ahead? The members in my group talk about it a lot. But it’s not just the child free individuals who worry about it, so do women with children, because many live hundreds of miles apart or have estranged relationships.

It’s a huge issue that we must address. The last thing you want to face is a medical emergency or event without a plan.

In a study conducted in my Facebook group by an academic professor revealed other factors for individuals to think about:

  • To identify a caregiver who would help if you became ill or disabled
  • To find a trusted person to help you cope with life’s challenges like medical and financial decisions
  • To have access to someone in case there’s a crisis
  • To find people to socialize with you to avoid loneliness
  • To mitigate your chances of developing chronic conditions

When you make a plan to tackle these issues, then you’re less confused and uncertain about handling them in the coming years.

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Seniors Concerns and Needs
Aging

Senior Concerns and Needs

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak
Senior living and housing expenses are significant concerns for older individuals when aging alone, and topics like affordable shelter, transportation, isolation, and lack of connections hold anxiety. Senior Concerns and Needs
The 65 and over age group continues to grow since the boomers now enter the demographic. There are thousands of us on our own, and we are in good company. The elder orphan Facebook group that launched last year now has close to 5,000 members. We face similar challenges, like finding personal care after surgery or if we’re sick and feeling lonely due to isolation.
But it’s not just people living alone that faces these challenges, the married and partnered, and those with adult children have similar concerns. It’s because our most affordable living options are in the suburbs, far from convenient shopping, public transit, and attainable social connections.
It’s the female population that have the greatest numbers in the group category. The statistics show the total seniors in the U.S. to be over 11 million, and of those living alone, 71% are female. Even though men have a higher chance of remarrying, there are a few of them on their own, and many complain about loneliness and isolation.
Research examining loneliness identified functional, psychosocial, and physiologic ill effects, including diminished physical activity, lessened motor function, depression, disrupted sleep, and impaired mental and cognitive function.
Since loneliness is a big concern for older individuals, we must start early and plan when we’re young and healthy enough to set up a lifestyle that minimizes the risks of loneliness, minimal transportation, and living expenses.
The National Institute of Health says that separation is not good for anyone, no matter the age. So, we need to seek out healthy lifestyles like co- and shared housing, independent and assisted living communities, and intentional and intergenerational neighborhoods, all designed to promote connection and support. Each combine the benefits of private homes with those of sustainable living.
All of these lifestyles blend resources for mixed-age communities. Like many, I do not want to age alone. I may live on my own, but, I want to do so in an environment that supports social connections, lifelong learning, fulfilling activities and easy access to transportation. I also want to live in a place that includes all ages, not just the 55+ age group.
Aging without Family Support
New Aging Dilemma: Lving Alone at Home
 

Senior Concerns and Needs

Senior Concerns and Needs Senior Concerns and Needs Senior Concerns and Needs

 

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Presidential Election Aging Issues
Retirement Planning

Top Presidential Election Aging Issues

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Questions seniors should ask the candidates about Social Security and Medicare

Whether you’re retired, still working, or in school, be concerned about Social Security and Medicare, because they are in trouble. If you’re like 170 million Americans who contribute to Social Security and Medicare, or one of the 54 million who rely on both, you should demand to know the candidates’ plans. Presidential Election Aging Issues
At the heart of many retiree’s financial security, lies Social Security, but its solvency is at risk. The program celebrated its 80th anniversary, and it continues to help lower the poverty rate among older Americans, in particular, older women. Without benefits, 48% of them would fall below the federal poverty line. But with Social Security, only 11% live in poverty. The program is also the largest children’s benefits program in the nation, so its future has intergenerational consequences.
The presidential elections are around the corner, so it’s a great opportunity for older Americans to speak up and ask each candidate how they plan to save Medicare and Social Security? I’m not here to debate which candidate will serve us best. Instead, I raise a few questions that we should ask to learn how they will save the vital programs?
Since every 18 seconds, the 65+ population increases by one person, the answers are critical. At the moment, the total count is close to 49,445,000, and it’s expected to grow to 83,000,000 by 2050. Watch the live counter http://www.seniorcare.com/featured/aging-america/. For this reason, Mrs. Clinton, and Mr. Trump, I want to know, “What is your vision for older adults, and what role will the government play in our behalf?
The recent trustee report shows that retirees could face a reduction in Social Security payments after 2035. As president, what actions would you take on to save it? Would you increase the payroll tax rate, reduce benefits, privatize the retirement program, or none of the above? If the latter, what is the alternative? Top Presidential Election Aging Issues
Both trust funds, Medicare and Social Security, shows the two will exhaust. Medicare by 2024 under today’s law, and the Social Security by 2033. So, as you see, Mr/Ms. President, we need to know, and we need to know fast.
In the case of Medicare, would you permit reforms in the Affordable Care Act to change how the medical systems deliver care? Will you continue to penalize hospitals if a patient returns within the 30-day window following surgery? Would you encourage health care systems to increase coverage for preventative care? How else do you propose to save Medicare?
So many seniors worry about the high costs of drugs. What do you think about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program? And what would you do about the rising costs of prescription meds?
What’s your plan to eliminate the shortfall? One answer better not be, “Older Americans need to die younger.” I’m sure you’ll find only a handful of volunteers willing to oblige. Most of us aspire to live longer.
Carol Marak, aging alone advocate, columnist, speaker and editor at Seniorcare.com. A former family caregiver, She earned a Fundamentals of Gerontology Certificate from the USC Davis School of Gerontology and writes about personal concerns while growing older.
Top Presidential Election Aging Issues

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