Recognizing the Challenges Facing Seniors

Seniors, as they age, face many challenges. And with these challenges come fears as they consider how best to enjoy their golden years.

Health problems is one of the biggest issues with the possibility of strokes, heart disease, reduced vision, osteoporosis, a weakened immune system, arthritis and even the difficulty of simply enjoying a cob of corn because of loose fitting false teeth. All of these challenges loom like a black rain-filled cloud on their horizon. And with the prospect of health problems is the thought of losing their independence and possibly being forced to go to a nursing home or becoming a burden on their family members.

With these health challenges also comes the potential risk of injuries from falls that may eventually require them to use a cane or a walker to help them get around. Because of falls, there may be a resulting lack of mobility and accompanying pain. Incontinence is an embarrassing possibility as the body ages creating a loss of dignity for them as well.

Transportation also becomes an issue for seniors who have serious health problems. Poor vision and the high cost of owning a vehicle has made driving almost impossible. Buses are not practical with sometimes long distances to walk to a bus stop especially if they have problems with balance and mobility. That leaves taxis which they may be unable to afford, or they may be reduced to having to rely on others for their transportation requirements.

As many seniors age, loneliness also becomes an issue especially if they are unable to be out in their community. Internet is a way of communication for many people but unfortunately only twenty-nine percent of those sixty-five years and older are computer literate. And of those only seven percent use social networks such as e-mail or facebook which would be another way of combating loneliness.

This lack of computer literacy greatly reduces their ability to access information or as one senior in his eighties discovered, losing his driver's license when he was required to rewrite his test and couldn't use the computer. His license was taken away simply because he wasn't computer literate. Or other instances when internet accessibility is necessary for activating something, i.e.: a digital box for a television set.

Another challenge for many is that they have reduced and/or fixed incomes. This makes owning a car prohibitive and the high cost of living in general makes even obtaining necessary prescription medication difficult for some. Where to live can become an issue on a fixed income as well. No longer able to maintain the home they've lived in possibily for many years either financially, because of escalating property taxes or physically, they must decide where to go - a condo, with no yard work, a retirement home or an assisted living residence. However, even rents are often prohibitive.

Other challenges are, in some cases, society's negative perception of the elderly. I have witnessed this when out with my own mother and as people have passed, they let their eyes slide right over her as if she was inconsequential, didn't exist. And in some cases, in a restaurant, I would be asked what my mother wanted when she was perfectly capable of ordering her own meal. There have been cases also when the elderly have fallen victim to financial exploitation by strangers but also sadly, sometimes by their own family members.

Another challenge is memory loss but the biggest fear for most seniors is the possibility of getting dementia or Alzheimer's. Because of the numerous challenges besetting seniors, it is up to family members to help the elders in our lives as much as we are able to do so that they can live as happily as possible. It is their right.