Challenges for the elderly

Older people are often presented with so many daunting challenges, especially those who are experiencing some sort of disadvantages, perhaps even health-wise, and they often feel that these golden years should be a time for celebration, something they have looked forward to all their lives. They feel that it should be a time when they have no family responsibilities and can do the things they have always wanted to do but didn`t have the time.

Unfortunately older people often feel that they are ignored, and they face challenges such as not being able to get around with transport systems not being frequent enough or even safe enough. They feel that they would like to be treated with more respect and have their voices heard. All too often they are ignored as people who have had their share. They also feel that they would like to enjoy plenty of entertainment, and be able to learn new hobbies.

There are retirement villages which provide transport, entertainment, fun and a healthy lifestyle, but it is not everyone who can afford to live in these villages, and although they might have independent living, cannot always take advantage of what is on offer out there in the way of enjoyment.

People are living longer than ever before, and even many of those who provided well for their old age have found that with the rise in costs and extended years of living, there is just not enough to go round.

Many older adults develop mental or physical disorders which will eventually cause them to require extra or outside, professional help.

Those adults who are moving into the elderly age group have probably had fewer children, which presents a problem of having fewer individuals to take on the caregiving role. The divorce rate has also had an impact, as there are fewer families who are staying together, and as it is usually the woman in the home who becomes caregiver, she may not be in a position to take care of an elder. The woman may also be approaching old age and have concerns as to how she will manage.

There are many caregivers who themselves are over the age of sixty five, and these women are often known as the “hidden victims” of caregiving because of their advanced age, and yet having the added strain of having to care for another.

Meals on Wheels care for the elderly by providing them with cooked meals when they do not have the resources to provide for themselves. Visit them on www.mowglobal.org