5 Top Concerns Facing Seniors Today

What are the top concerns on your mind today? If you’re like most seniors, there are at least five on your list. After looking at the most common of these, we have good news for you today! These 5 top concerns facing seniors today can be addressed by accessing the help suggested below, and by living in a caring community like CRISTA Senior Living.  
 

Healthcare Expenses

Increasing costs related to medical care, such as prescription medications, along with the possibility of needing long-term care options like assisted living or memory support.
 
Solutions:

Medicare and Medicaid: Be sure you have Medicare, which covers hospital visits, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and some aspects of long-term care. If you are low-income, you may also qualify for Medicaid, which offers additional support. 

Prescription Drug Assistance Programs: Many pharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations provide assistance programs to lower the cost of prescription medications.

Long-Term Care Insurance: Seniors can consider purchasing long-term care insurance to help cover the cost of assisted living, memory care, or in-home care. Starting this process early can result in lower premiums. 

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Seniors can save for future healthcare expenses in an HSA, which offers tax advantages for medical costs. 

Community Resources: Local government programs and charities often have resources for low-cost or free health screenings, home healthcare, and assistance with medical costs. Do a Google search to find clinics in your area. 

Physical Aging

Worries related to the deterioration of physical capabilities, including mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive function.

Solutions: 

Regular Exercise: Engaging in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain strength, mobility, and balance. CRISTA Senior Living has fitness programs for seniors to help residents maintain their strength and mobility.

Vision and Hearing Aids: Regular eye exams and hearing tests can help detect issues early. Using corrective lenses or hearing aids can significantly improve quality of life. 

Cognitive Health: Mental exercises, such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills, can help slow cognitive decline. Socializing with others also keeps the brain active. 

Assistive Devices: Mobility aids such as walkers, canes, or even home modifications (e.g., grab bars, stairlifts) can support seniors in maintaining independence and safety. 

Preventive Healthcare: Regular check-ups, screenings (for diabetes, heart disease, etc.), and immunizations are essential to catch health issues early. 
 

Financial Security 

Maintaining a stable income in retirement, especially with rising costs of living, and potential risks of financial scams or fraud. 
 
Solutions: 
Pension Plans & Social Security: Become familiar with your Social Security benefits and explore options to maximize payouts (e.g., waiting until age 70 to start benefits). 

Reverse Mortgages: If you have significant home equity, reverse mortgages can provide additional income. However, it’s important to fully understand the terms before proceeding. 

Budgeting & Financial Planning: Work with a financial planner to create a strategy that covers retirement expenses, investment management, and ways to protect against inflation. Ask for referrals to someone before choosing them as a financial planner and be cautious of predatory investments or scams targeting retirees. 

Avoiding Scams: Educate yourself about financial fraud and scams targeting seniors. Organizations like AARP offer resources on how to spot and avoid scams. Essentially, when in doubt about an email or text and its source, do not click on it. 

Supplemental Income: If physically able, explore part-time work or remote freelance opportunities to supplement your income. 
 

Loneliness 

Feeling isolated due to loss of friends and family members, or difficulty maintaining social connections . 
 
Solutions:

Social Activities: Participate in community programs, senior centers, clubs, and at church to build and maintain social networks. Many senior centers offer activities, trips, and events specifically designed to foster connection.

Technology: Use technology to stay connected with family and friends through video calls, social media, or messaging apps. There are also platforms for virtual classes, games, and social interactions. 

Volunteering: Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and create social opportunities. Many organizations look for senior volunteers to help with various community efforts. 

Pets: Pet ownership can provide companionship and a helpful routine that includes walking. Many organizations offer pet adoption and support services for seniors.

Support Groups: Participating in support groups, either in-person or online, can help seniors share experiences and combat feelings of isolation. 
 

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Worrying about being able to perform basic tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom independently. 

Solutions: 

In-Home Care Services: Seniors who need help with ADLs can explore home care options, including assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Professional caregivers or family members can provide this support. 

Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities: If in-home care isn’t sufficient, look into assisted living or memory care facilities that cater to those who need help with daily tasks while offering a social environment. 

Smart Home Technology: Devices like automatic pill dispensers, motion sensors, or smart home systems can help seniors manage ADLs and increase safety. Voice-activated technology can also help seniors control lights, appliances, and more. 

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists can help seniors adapt their environment to support independence in daily activities, offering solutions like modified bathroom equipment, adapted kitchen tools, and assistive devices. 

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Wearable devices that can detect falls and allow seniors to quickly call for help if needed provide extra peace of mind. 
 
CRISTA’s Continuing Care Communities in Shoreline and Silverdale bring the assurance you need to stop worrying about many of these concerns. We are here to answer your questions and help you plan the next chapter of your life.  
 
To find out more about CRISTA Senior Living and visit us for a tour, call (206) 889-5505 or go to Christian Senior Living Communitites | CRISTA Senior Living.