6 Common Challenges Elderly People Face Today

Today’s aging adults benefit from living in the most advanced time for healthcare and technology. Yet life isn’t all roses for older adults, who also must still contend with the issues that affect everyone as they age. These are the six most common challenges seniors face today along with a few ways to help them overcome various issues that arise. 

1. Understanding Changing Health Practices

The past few years have brought significant changes to how healthcare is managed throughout the world. Seniors may need assistance with understanding how changes in their healthcare plans affect their ability to meet their medical needs. They may also need help making decisions about the best ways to manage their health, such as choosing between two treatment options. 

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Dallas, TX, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Stretching Their Finances

The cost of living seems to be increasing just as quickly as the elderly population. This is a difficult time for many older adults who are trying to live on fixed incomes. Your aging loved one may need help figuring out ways to keep daily costs low, such as budgeting for groceries, or he or she may require assistance with figuring out how to pay down debt and devising other strategies that can increase his or her financial standing. 

3. Fighting the Stigma Associated with Mental Illness

The older generation grew up before people were so accepting of mental illness. Many seniors have never been properly diagnosed with issues such as depression and bipolar disorder. There are also many veterans still living with PTSD today who have never received proper care. Older adults may need to hear it’s okay to seek help for emotional and behavioral health challenges that interfere with their ability to live happy lives. 

4. Having Fewer Housing Options

For many years, seniors had a lot of options for where they wanted to live after retirement. However, the increased number of seniors living longer lives today means there aren’t always enough group living areas to go around. Fortunately, seniors are also finding it’s possible to age in place with the proper support so this issue becomes less of a challenge as they face new health issues. 

Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Dallas, TX, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.

5. Learning to Manage Cognitive Changes

Living longer is great, but it does come with the increased risk of developing cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Seniors must use every resource available to protect their cognitive abilities as they age. From taking classes to doing puzzles and spending time with other people, seniors should strive to build their brainpower every day. 

6. Finding Ways to Contribute to a Better World

Reading and hearing about all the bad things happening in the world can be challenging for seniors. They can easily become depressed when they feel as though the world is falling apart. Try to help your loved one find ways to contribute to society, such as through volunteering. Your loved one will feel better about the future and benefit from having a greater sense of purpose.

Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Dallas senior care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at [hca_phone].