5 Age-Related Challenges and How to Overcome Them

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Old age is like the final frontier in a person’s life, and it comes with many challenges. Deterioration of physical strength, weakening of senses, diminishing of mental capability, financial difficulties along with various illnesses are certain inevitable challenges one has to face in his or her old age.

People entering in the twilight of their lives are wary of impending physical and mental changes associated with old age. Illnesses like diabetes, congestive heart failure, and some forms of dementia are the main health issues faced by elderly. Decreased strength coupled with slowed reflexes make older people accident prone as well. Perhaps the emotional aspect of people gets affected the most as a decline in their mental ability makes them dependent. They no longer have trust in their own ability or judgments. Moreover, due to generation gap the youngsters do not pay attention to their suggestion and advice. As a result, this may create a feeling of deprivation of their dignity and importance.

As a matter of fact, this phase of life is often viewed as an unavoidable, undesirable and problem ridden with uncertainties. Today, there are many countries in the world that are witnessing an increase in ageing population. This is why, it is imperative to find innovative and sustainable ways to address these issues of elderly.

Even premier intergovernmental organizations, like WHO, have time and again highlighted the need for addressing the challenges experienced by elderly people. It has emphasized the need to create age-friendly environments and policies to engage older men and women. It has also been instrumental in encouraging ways for governments, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to perceive, interact with, and care for their older citizens.

Here are some of the main age related challenges for elderly people and their solutions.

Social Isolation

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Old age is more likely to see social isolation leading to loneliness and depression, mainly due to lack of companionship. Social isolation among seniors is alarmingly common and will continue to increase exponentially. Its impacts on elderly people are disconcerting in terms of health, well-being and quality of life. People who are lonely are more likely to believe that other people will reject them, and therefore more likely to have a feeling of low-self worth. Furthermore, sometimes the feeling of losing control or inability to take decisions by themselves may also lead to intensified depression.

Creating opportunities for social interaction, such as attending social programs, is an effective solution to start with. Another way of addressing social isolation is to encourage social support network, which consists of a set of public and/or private in the community and people close to the elderly. Additionally, promoting a sense of purpose or hobbies among seniors will suppress the negative effects of social isolation.

Health Issues

Without any doubt old age is a phase of physical decline, and the possibility of onslaught of various diseases increases considerably. Physical changes due to aging can occur in almost every organ and can affect seniors' health and lifestyle. Some conditions become more prominent in this age. For example, skin becomes less flexible, thinner and fragile; bones, joints and muscles lose density, shrink kin size and become weaker; mobility and balance are affected; teeth and gums become brittle and dry; memory, immunity, hearing and vision are seriously affected; and obesity, heart disease, blood pressure and diabetes are more prominent.

To minimize health issues in the old age, people should stick to a regime with balanced and healthy diet. They should take up regular morning exercise after a good night’s sleep. Starting with meditation and yoga would be a good idea. There is no need to do heavy physical activity during old age. A morning walk in the park can be helpful. Other than these steps, routine health checkups should be taken. Only prescribed medicines should be administered, without abusing substances.

Transportation

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Transportation issues among seniors are a prominent factor that prevents from engagement in civic, social and community life. When safe driving is no longer possible for older adults, their health, well-being, quality of life, and human interactions could be severely impacted. The truth is driving is so entrenched into the fabric of contemporary life that the idea of losing the ability to drive is inconceivable for many older adults. Furthermore, due to poor physical health, older people find it difficult to use public transport in order to fulfill their basic needs as well as traveling.

Government and non-government entities should step in to increase a greater coordination between existing transport providers. There should be better links between community transport services and public transport, especially for elderly. For the many older people who are not that much familiar with using these services, there should be a drive to furnish tailored information, promotion and individual assistance. There are many seniors who need to visit groceries and markets for food and other facilities. Thus, they would have to travel for that.

Mistreatment

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According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and National Council on Aging, mistreatment of seniors, including abuse, neglect and exploitation is a concerning trend. It also revealed that 1 out of 10 elderly citizens over the age of 65 years experience mistreatment, and live in a private home. Different types of elder abuse are abandonment, confinement, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, physical abuse, willful deprivation etc. Abuse creates potentially dangerous situations and feelings of worthlessness, and it isolates the older person.

The first and most important step toward preventing elder abuse is to recognize that no one — of whatever age — should be subjected to violent, abusive, humiliating or neglectful behavior. The other steps to take in this direction are public education about elder mistreatment, increasing the availability of respite care, increased social contact and support, and counseling for behavioral and personal problems where abuse takes place.

Financial Problems

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Retirement from service usually results in loss of income. It is often also seen that the pension received by senior citizens is inadequate to meet the costs of living. Therefore, financial setbacks during this stage of life are as dreadful as a life-threatening disease. When elderly people have to depend on others, their self-esteem, morale, health condition as well as happiness are shattered. Furthermore, the diagnosis and treatment of their disease creates more financial problems.

Nobody wants to a financial difficulty at an old age, so financial security should be taken from an early age. For example, retirement plans, pensions and micropensions or mutual funds are early investment options. Friends, family members or relatives should assist elderly people with money management. Getting help from a financial manager can be helpful in this. It is important to talk to elderly people’s doctors, friends and other family members regarding their finances. Locating questionable money transfers or payments to unknown entities would be helpful for them. It is also crucial to find out whether the elder seems confused or forgetful.