The Top 5 Concerns Facing Older Adults in Our Community

As we age we hope that our lives will become easier and without the stresses our younger years gave us.  In many instances that is exactly how it happens.  However, for many older adults there are specific challenges and concerns that become more immediate and important and finding solutions can be daunting.

The top concerns facing seniors today include:

1. Heath Care Costs – The cost of care is skyrocketing and as we get older, we require more care.  The regular office visits, specialists, procedures and medications – all of these are very costly and they impact the resources of seniors dramatically.  Consistently, this tops every list of senior citizen concerns.
2. Physical Aging – Aging means that we cannot move as well as we used to. We don’t see as clearly and our bones weaken. Nutrition, exercise and physical therapy become all the more important as we age.  
3. Loneliness – As we get older, we may become more isolated.  Friends and family are harder to see and isolation can become an issue.  This is especially true during this pandemic.  Senior isolation can result in a number of detrimental factors such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, increased risk of falls, physical health decline and a higher risk of mortality.
4. Transportation – Our reflexes can slow as we age and our eyes can become less clear. This may lead us to give up driving for our safety and the safety of others.  This can limit the freedom a senior has and can make the tasks of doctor’s appointments and social interaction much more difficult.
5. Social Climate – Adjusting to technological changes is the largest social hurdle for older adults.  Smart phones, computers and the internet offer many ways for a senior to stay in communication, but learning how to use these technologies is challenging for many.

For seniors meeting certain eligibility criteria, the TRU PACE program offers solutions for all of these concerns.  PACE stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly.  PACE is a healthcare model centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of older adults to be served in the community – in their homes – whenever possible.  Anyone 55 years and older who resides in the designated service area, lives safely in the community at the time of enrollment, and needs assistance with at least TWO activities of daily living (certified by the state to need nursing-home-level of care) is eligible for PACE services.