The Big Challenges Seniors Face in Everyday Life
The so-called golden years can be filled with frustrating issues, from the simple to the complex. Despite each human being's uniqueness, there are some common challenges that those who reach an advanced age experience. Thankfully, one sensory challenge just got a little easier to manage after a ruling by the Food and Drug Administration that promises to make one medical device cheaper and more easily available.
Related: The Biggest Retirement Regrets Among Seniors
Seniors and hearing aids. It’s a stereotype, though there is truth there. The Hearing Health Foundation notes that age-related hearing loss is a natural result of aging. “It is one of the most common conditions affecting older and elderly adults.” Regular checkups and exams go a long way to keeping seniors healthy and from feeling isolated. Plus, access to hearing aids just got easier: Products for mild to moderate hearing loss can be purchased over-the-counter without a medical exam starting as soon as mid-October, following an executive order signed by President Biden. Easier access that seeks to foster innovation brings with it the promise of less expensive devices down the line.
Related: 29 Products and Services to Make Seniors' Lives Easier
It’s frustrating not to be able to open a jar, lift a bag of groceries, or climb into a bathtub the way you used to. WebMD reports that muscle loss can come with inactivity, often what happens in aging: “Any loss of muscle matters because it lessens strength and mobility.” Luckily, there are numerous tools and gadgets created to help, from zipper pulls to jar openers, grab bars to heavy-duty grocery totes.
It’s the classic scenario — we age, we slow down. Some seniors might need a walker at all times; others might crave the security of a cane that transforms into a seat. A doctor can help determine the best course of action, but SeniorAdvice.com notes that “Many senior mobility issues can be remedied with walking aides or by making small changes in the home to better accommodate the senior’s needs.”
It’s not true that all seniors fear technology. Many older adults "continue to reach for their devices … with a significant rise in the use of smartphones and tablets," according to AARP. That’s encouraging, but still, the report noted, older adults see shortcomings.when it comes to inclusivity. "Two in 5 adults 50-plus don’t feel technology is designed with older adults in mind, citing the offerings’ complexity, poor user experience, and insufficient training materials." But there are tools to help remedy those concerns, including countless study guides, free courses, and help lines to optimize seniors' experience.
As couples age, losing a spouse becomes more common. For some widows or widowers, that means taking on new responsibilities. If the late spouse was in charge of cooking, buying family gifts, or paying the bills, it may be time to learn new skills.
Long gone are the days when you pulled into a gas station and asked the attendant for directions or pulled over on the roadside to consult a foldout map. Many phones and new cars feature GPS capability, but for those who live life the old-fashioned way, getting directions can prove a challenge. Luckily, purchasing a GPS system is easy.
It’s a good bet that words and phrases such as non-binary or net-zero emissions were not taught — or even conceived of — back when today’s seniors were in school. That’s no reason to remain in the dark. As Albert Einstein said, “Once you stop learning you start dying.”
For many, especially parents, life focuses on the next generation — taking care of their daily needs, providing for their future, ensuring their growth. Seniors don’t abandon that role completely, but it’s time to realize, without guilt, that once your job is done, it’s time to focus on your own wants, needs and interests. You deserve it.
For much of life, people live out of need or habit. It’s where they grew up or where they raised their kids or where they had an easy commute to work. When life changes, possibilities open up. As you age, you may need less space — or perhaps more, to accommodate your new art studio or music room. You might want to find a place that can help you transition if and when you need assisted living. You might have long desired to live by the sea or in the mountains. Deciding where and how to live may suddenly be a new decision.
ICYMI, there is a lot of lingo to learn these days if you want to keep up with the times. Sure, many seniors might not be checking out the latest Instagram posts, but cultivating a working knowledge of today’s terms can prevent you from feeling much older than your years, especially when chatting with someone much younger.
No one wants to feel they are being deprived, no matter his or her age. But as we age, eating healthy holds more importance. Sure, you might like to have chips and a beer with your favorite TV show — but make that a treat not an everyday experience. As AARP says, “As our bodies change, so do our nutritional needs.”
We’ve not yet reached "The Jetsons" era, but cars today offer more features than ever. For those who still recall driving without seat belts, and with only an AM dial radio and even a manual gear shift on the steering column, today’s treasure trove of options can be daunting. Those treating themselves to a new car, a retirement gift, perhaps, may need to do some research.
One situation many seniors face, one that is soberingly important, is knowing when it’s time to turn in the keys. Losing a lifetime of freedom behind the wheel is a very hard topic to deal with, often requiring family input and sometimes, even a doctor’s intervention. “Certainly, driving yourself does provide a source of transportation, but driving also provides independence," according to a blog post by Snyder Village, a senior community in Metamora, Illinois. "It is a way you can connect with others, and it provides a sense of identity. Driving gives you freedom and spontaneity to allow you to go wherever you want, whenever you want.”
Still, safety must prevail – for you and others on the road.
When did that 20-20 vision go? Many seniors have worn glasses for years — or relied on readers for a boost. As human beings age, though, it’s not uncommon for vision issues to increase. “Vision loss among the elderly is a major health care problem. Approximately one person in three has some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65,” according to the journal American Family Physician.
Keeping on top of this health issue is key, and an annual checkup is recommended.
There’s a big difference between having the proverbial senior moment, such as misplacing your keys, and recognizing a serious memory issue. AARP offers a wealth of information related to brain health and wellness, including brain games and tips on staying sharp.
For some seniors, especially those who have retired or relocated, the loss of their longtime support system, from longtime colleagues to neighbors of decades-long standing, can be devastating. “Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Making an effort to connect with others can be difficult. Among the many options for connecting with others is The Foundation for Art & Healing’s “UnLonely Project,” designed to foster connections through the arts.
Fitness is important at any age, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urges seniors to stay active as they get older, offering tips that seniors can tailor to their own capabilities. And though making time for exercise is important, seniors may also want to be mindful of what to avoid in their workouts.
The senior years can be sobering when it comes to finances. Suddenly, that endless stretch of years of earning potential isn't so endless. Those who were able to plan ahead may be financially secure, but for many, the senior years may be a time of living within your means – by necessity not choice. The upside? The endless array of senior discounts.
It’s sad but true — older adults are often marginalized. “Age should not define a person or diminish respect from others," according to the Jewish Family Service of Colorado. "There is a generation of people overlooked every day and little attention is paid to this growing problem.” Some cultures revere their elders for their wisdom and experience. Sadly, that's not always the case. Know it’s not a personal attack but a societal ill.
Sometimes, older adults welcome being left alone. Suddenly solicitous family members or “thoughtful” neighbors can take checking in to an extreme. It’s a fine line between caring and smothering. Try to be grateful for the concern, but speak up if it becomes intrusive.
The parent is in need of care. The child must step up. The dynamics of the parent-child relationship can be flipped over time, a natural progression that can be filled with compassion or conflict. Adjustments on each part may be needed. This role reversal can bring unexpected results, according to a blog post from The Arbor Co., an operator of senior-living communities. “For many adult children, the shift from care recipient to caregiver sparks an identity crisis.”
It’s a bit of a sight gag — the elderly juggling countless bottles of pills for their many ailments, but the need for properly taking medications and affording them are real concerns. Seniors can check with a doctor for trustworthy ways to secure prescription discounts and keep prescriptions on schedule.
For some seniors, the physical and emotional stress of getting up, ready, and out to the doctor is so much that they prefer to skip it. It’s tempting to avoid routine visits but never wise.
Everyone dies, but not everyone is prepared to deal with death head on. Seniors sometimes avoid talking about important things, such as wills, health-care directives, funeral wishes, and more. Facing these situations in a timely manner can prevent future heartache. Speaking to a doctor, a lawyer, or doing some research online to see what the options are will help.
Sadly, many con artists put senior citizens in their crosshairs. Scam calls, fake bills and various pressure tactics rely on seniors getting into a panic mode. AARP offers numerous tips on avoiding scams and fraud.
Though many challenges seniors face are serious, some are, let’s be honest, on the superficial side. But finding clothes that are age appropriate — but still interesting and flattering, rather than frumpy and outdated — can sometimes be a challenge. Seniors may simply need to spend more time looking so they're both comfortable and at ease with their wardrobes.
Some seniors want to escape the decades of family responsibility. For others, it's a time to spoil the kids, grandkids, and be even more active in their daily lives. There are health benefits to each approach, both mental and physical. Families need to ensure everyone is on the same page, so that harmony and happy memories emerge.
The after-church social, the book club, the ladies’ lunch, the Sunday morning round of golf … so many routines that were taken for granted were suspended during the pandemic. For many, the lockdown resulted in less mobility and an increase in health issues because of a lack of activity. As the New York Times reports, “Many health experts are worried about worsening physical conditioning and mobility among older adults since COVID-19 upended the daily routine.” Though challenging, resuming a routine and increasing physical activity can help reverse the effects of inactivity and help to recover mobility.
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