What Are the Biggest Challenges for Elderly People in Our Society?
Several organizations have been created to address the needs of older people in our society. One of the most influential is the American Association of Retired Persons, which provides members with discounts and lobbies extensively on issues affecting the elderly. Read on to discover more about the organization and what it can do for older people. The American Association of Retired Persons has been around for more than a hundred years and is now the largest organization for retired people in the United States.
Loneliness
wilmacliving.com has shown that loneliness is a major cause of hospital use, and even higher mortality rates for older adults who experience social isolation. This problem can be caused by limited social contact, a lack of available resources, or a combination of all of these factors. The National Social Life, Health and Aging Project has found that loneliness is linked to poorer health and decreased quality of life for older adults.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one-fourth of the elderly population in the U.S. is living alone. This figure represents 28 percent of the overall population aged 65 and older. According to the Administration on Aging, women live alone more than men, with 72 percent being married while 45 percent are widowed or divorced. Almost half of those over 75 are living alone.
Housing costs
Many older people find it difficult to pay for their housing. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, nearly one in four households headed by an adult 65 years and older spent at least 23 percent of their income on housing in 2013. Those numbers are even higher if you consider that most elderly people own their homes. In addition to homeownership, elderly people often face a range of other challenges. For example, they must deal with the financial challenges associated with living alone.
When you consider all the expenses associated with owning a home, it is no wonder that housing costs are one of the biggest challenges for older people in our society. The average senior household spends up to 30 percent of its income on housing, which leaves less money for food and health care. Furthermore, housing costs are often higher for elderly households that have mortgages than those who don’t own homes.
Health disparities
Inequality in health, social and environmental factors play a significant role in aging. For example, economic conditions, social networks, health insurance, and societal support play a significant role in determining whether an individual will live at home or move into a nursing home. Health disparities are complex and dynamic. Research and strategies are needed to address them. These studies will examine environmental, social, and behavioral factors as well as genetic stability.
Socioeconomic status, income, and education are factors that may affect a person’s health and ability to receive proper care. Language barriers, disability status, and understanding of computers and the internet may also contribute to health disparities. Racial and ethnic data can also help identify these disparities. These factors can compound existing health problems among older people. Moreover, social, economic, and educational disparities are often compounded as people age.
Transportation options
There are a number of transportation options for elderly people in our society. Many of these services are volunteer-run and often low-cost or even free. Another option is ride sharing, which is basically a carpool that provides transportation to many people to different destinations. This service can also be useful for those who need a little extra help getting around. But not all of these services are available in all areas. For those who need special transportation, it is best to find out what is available in their area.
The surface transportation policy project, a nonprofit advocacy organization, reported that as of 2009, approximately 20 percent of older adults in our society didn’t drive and a full 54 percent stayed home alone. The study also found that older adults who didn’t drive had 15 percent fewer doctor visits and 65 percent fewer trips for social reasons. So if you or a loved one has decided to stop driving, consider getting an assisted vehicle.
More to read: What’s Most Important to Seniors Beyond Retirement?