Struggles Faced by Senior Citizens and Ways to Support Them
Ageing is natural for all of us. However, it comes with unique challenges for seniors that often go unnoticed. Whether it is physical limitations or emotional distress, the challenges faced by the elderly overwhelm them in the absence of the proper support. This blog explores senior citizens’ everyday struggles and discusses practical ways in which families, communities, and senior citizens care service can offer the help they truly need.
Common Physical Health Challenges
As people age, the body loses strength, balance, and immunity. Some common health challenges faced by elderly people are:
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Heart health issues and high blood pressure
- Diabetes and vision loss
- Reduced mobility due to weakened muscles or osteoporosis
Such health issues limit seniors’ ability to live independently and sometimes require constant medical attention. Seniors with these problems need regular checkups, medications, and physiotherapy sessions.
Mental Health and Emotional Challenges
The emotional impact of ageing on health is as significant as its impact on physical health. There is a chance of the elderly becoming lonely, anxious or depressed after the death of a spouse or friend. The feeling of being a burden causes many senior citizens to withdraw emotionally, too. This may lead to cognitive issues like:
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Short-term memory loss
If seniors face such issues, proper diagnosis, treatment, and emotional support can significantly help them.
Financial Struggles Faced by Seniors
In their retirement, most senior citizens survive on a pension or savings, which means they have limited money. Rising healthcare expenses and daily living costs are often more than their hard-earned savings, making it difficult for seniors to live comfortably.
Here are some more challenges faced by elderly people due to lack of funds:
- Delayed or unaffordable medical treatments
- Inability to hire a carer
- Dependency on children or relatives for financial support
- At times, the elderly need to forgo their medical expenses due to a lack of a financial support system and the right guidance on how to use funds.
Social and Family-Related Challenges
Today, the younger generation is either absorbed in work or relocating to different cities, making their elderly family members feel isolated. The previous friendships disappear gradually as well. This isolation can lead to:
- People experience feelings of being unwanted and neglected.
- Absence of communication or companionship.
- Reduced mental stimulation and physical activity.
Some households do not include their seniors in making important decisions, thus increasing the emotional distance between generations. Senior care services can help here by organising their own community programmes and spaces where the elders can feel seen, valued, and loved.
Safety and Security Concerns
The absence of constant supervision while living alone may pose a safety risk to ageing adults. Because of their decreased mobility and slower reaction speed, senior citizens are more vulnerable to:
- Slips and falls
- Accidental fires or gas leaks
- Financial scams or theft
- Emergencies where they can’t call for help
Modifications can be made to people’s homes, such as installing grab rails, anti-slip flooring patterns, and emergency alarm systems to enhance the overall safety conditions. Carers also need to be trained to respond calmly and quickly to emergencies.
How Can Buddy Mobility Care Help?
The right kind of care can completely change the lives of your elderly loved ones. Our mobility care includes tools like walkers, wheelchairs, and home aids that help seniors move around safely and confidently. Our trained carers can assist with exercises and daily tasks and even accompany them on walks or errands.
When paired with emotional support, these services can dramatically reduce the challenges faced by elderly people, making them feel active, secure, and empowered in their own space.
Conclusion
Ageing gracefully is a right, not a privilege. Unfortunately, though, our elderly loved ones continue to face challenges due to a lack of awareness and support. Whether it is with financial help, emotional care, or mobility aid, it is our collective responsibility to make the lives of our seniors easier.
We proudly offer our senior mobility and caregiving services across Punjab, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chandigarh.
If you are looking to support your aged loved one, look no further than us and ensure a ‘happy and safe’ ageing for your loved ones.
The best care doesn’t just add years to life but life to years.
