Here are 12 challenges older people have to deal with in today’s society and how to fix them.
Mental Health
While everyone’s getting better at talking about mental health, it’s still a major issue with our elders.
Many older adults deal with depression, anxiety, & loneliness, but they can’t find help that understands the unique challenges of aging. There’s a hole in our mental health services for older people.
Technology
Teaching your grandma to use a smartphone is difficult for a number of reasons. Technology moves fast and many seniors miss out on the developments.
FaceTiming with family and accessing online services are a lot harder for them. Without these skills, the world is a far lonelier place.
Transportation
For many older people, life involves not being able to drive and having no easy way to get around. They don’t have safe & accessible transport options.
This makes everything from grocery shopping to doctor’s appointments a huge challenge; let’s not even mention how difficult it is to keep up with social activities.
Workplace
Getting a job or keeping one is a lot harder when you’re older, thanks to ageism. This often leads to financial insecurity and a lower self esteem.
Society’s telling you’re past your ‘use by’ date, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Yet the job market favors younger candidates.
Public Spaces
So many public spaces don’t have ramps or elevators.
Such barriers make it feel like it’s off-limits to those who aren’t young & spry, making it a matter of independence.
Everyone should have the systems in place to enjoy public spaces. Seniors would enjoy life a lot more if we made public spaces more accessible.
Protection
Sadly, elder abuse is a very real thing and it comes in many forms, including physical & emotional abuse.
There’s not enough awareness (or resources) dedicated to stopping it so many vulnerable elders suffer in silence.
Policy
When decisions are made at the top, older adults usually get ignored. They’re practically invisible when policies are being drafted, leading to laws & regulations that don’t fully address their challenges.
Older adults make up a significant portion of the population and so we should consider their unique insights and needs.
Healthcare
It’s no secret that the healthcare system is difficult and especially for the elderly who have complex needs. Instead of getting holistic care, they’re often shuffled from one specialist to another.
Nobody looks at the big picture. The American healthcare system is one that treats illnesses but not the person.
Financial
A lot of older adults don’t have enough savings or pensions, leaving them financially insecure. As such, they’ll need to choose between essentials; but in a country as wealthy as ours, it’s a situation that just shouldn’t exist.
Financial stability in old age should be a given because everyone deserves to retire with dignity & peace of mind.
Social Programs
Unfortunately, there aren’t enough programs designed to keep older adults socially active. Loneliness is just as bad for health as smoking and obesity.
We need more initiatives that bring seniors together so they can connect and learn new skills. Even giving them the chance to enjoy their hobbies will make them happier.
Housing
Finding affordable, accessible housing is hard for many seniors. Sometimes, the struggle involves adapting their current home to meet their needs while other times, it’s finding a place in assisted living that isn’t too expensive.
Either way, the options are often limited and rather unsatisfying. Such stress seriously affects older adults’ well-being.
Rural
For older adults living in rural areas, the challenges are even worse since they have fewer healthcare options & limited transportation.
Big cities shouldn’t be the only places with support for the elderly. After all, everyone has the right to age gracefully.