Help Seniors
Over 25 million Americans aged 60+ are economically insecure.
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There are 12 000 new seniors every day. Not all of them live a happy life.
Approximately 54 million Americans are aged 65 and older, with projections estimating that their numbers will grow to 98 million by 2060. The average life expectancy of a 65-year old is another 19 years. According to data compiled by the Social Security Administration, a man aged 65 today can expect to live to the age of 84.3, while a woman of the same age can expect to live to the age of 86.6 years. Unfortunately, millions of senior citizens struggle daily with health and safety challenges, such as chronic disease, falls, physical inactivity, oral health concerns, and mental health issues, all of which severely impact their quality of life.
Seniors (illustration photo). Source: Unsplash
Seniors face many risks
- In 2014, there were 11 000 people aged 60+ who committed suicide in the USA. Men aged 85+ have a suicide rate that is about four times higher than the rate for all ages.
- Alcohol abuse accounts for more than 23 000 deaths annually among older Americans.
- Depression and other behavioral health problems are not a normal part of aging and should be treated.
- 1 in 4 seniors live alone and are unable to go to the grocery store or cook for themselves.
- Out of 50 million Americans aged 65+, approx. 9 million are threatened by hunger.
Did you know… the senior population in the USA increases by 12 000 every day?
The number of seniors is expected to continue to grow, as more than one-third (36 %) of the “baby boomer” generation is now aged 65+. The growing percentage can be seen in the graph below:
Percentage of seniors in the overall population. Source: viaGood
Today, there are almost 60 million seniors in the United States, with 12 000 new seniors every day. By 2060, that number will have doubled. A projection for the 2060s is seen below.
The ratio of women to men over 65 years of age is 100:76. The ratio of women to men over 85 years of age is 100:49.
Age distribution in 1960 and expected situation in 2060. Source: viaGood
A 2012 national survey of older patients found that only 7 % percent had received the 7 services recommended for healthy aging: an annual review of their medication review, a falls risk assessment, a falls history, depression screening, referral to community-based health resources, and discussion of their ability to perform, unassisted, routine daily tasks and activities. 52 % reported receiving none or only one of these services, and 76 % received fewer than half of the services.
Percentage of Seniors in individual US states. Source: viaGood
1 in 4 seniors lives alone and 1 in 5 feels lonely.
Many older people live alone and suffer from chronic health and social care needs. To help them, it is necessary to maintain their safety and address a wide range of risks and problems that could undermine older people’s ability to live independently at their own home. The main risks are:
- Chronic Diseases Older adults are more severely likely to suffer from chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease – leading causes of death among older adults in the USA. 4 out of 5 older adults suffers from at least one chronic condition, e.g. heart disorders, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or osteoporosis. 50 % suffers from at least two. People over 75 years of age visit a doctor 3 times more often than people aged 22 to 44 years.
Each of us will get old in the course of time. Source: Unsplash
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**Falls ** Falls are the leading cause of all injuries among older adults, causing hip fractures, head trauma, and sometimes death. Seniors are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than for injuries from other causes. Fear of falling can lead older adults to limit their activities, which can result in further physical decline, depression and social isolation. 1 in 4 seniors lives alone and 1 in 5 feels lonely, which has the same negative effect on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Only 3.6 % of people over 65 years of age live in nursing homes. Elderly men are likely to live with a spouse, while elderly women are more likely to live alone, increasing the risk of dangerous falls.
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Physical Activity Regular exercise helps older adults to maintain their independence, thus preventing many age-related problems. A study found that 28 % of the adults interviewed aged 50+ reported no physical activity over the past month, apart from their regular employment. By the age of 75, about 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women do not do any physical activity.
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Oral Health Oral health is important for overall health and wellbeing. However, 40 % of older adults have not seen a dentist in the last year. About 19 % of older adults no longer have any natural teeth. Approx. 19 % of older adults with their own teeth have untreated tooth decay, and over 70 % have periodontal disease. Poor oral health can negatively impact the proper management of chronic conditions and nutrition.
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**Mental Health ** One in four older adults experiences a mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. These problems reduce the quality of life and increase the use of healthcare services, and can even lead to premature death.
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Food Insecurity Food insecurity is experienced by about 3 million households with a senior aged 65+. The most recent report prepared in collaboration with Feeding America, released in 2020 using 2018 data, found that 7.3 % of the senior population was food insecure in 2018. 3 out of 5 older adults (age 60+) who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) are not enrolled.
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Poverty One-third of seniors live from hand to mouth or are in debt after meeting essential monthly expenses. US poverty rates are highest for people aged 65+, with 10.5 % of them living in poverty. The rates are at least 3 times higher for Hispanics and African-Americans aged 65+ than for Whites. Over 30 % of senior households owe money on a mortgage or other debts. Older women receive on average approx. $4 500 less annually in Social Security benefits than older men. Older women of color fare even worse. 21 % of married Social Security recipients and 43 % of single recipients aged 65+ depend on Social Security for 90 % or more of their income. Approximately 3.5 million older homeowners are behind on their loan repayments and have no home equity.
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Abuse and crime An estimated 1 in 10 senior citizens is a victim of elder abuse – the intentional act by a caregiver that leads to physical, psychological or emotional harm. In addition, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud, cyberattack or confidence scheme, e.g. lottery or romance.
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Discrimination Older workers of color are most at risk of unemployment, with older African American men twice as likely to be unemployed as older White men.
Millions of seniors are at risk of starvation. Things do not have to be like this! Read the Solution section to learn what can be done about it!
In the Fall of their lives, seniors deserve to live in dignity.
There are many things that can help to maintain the quality of the lives of seniors. How can YOU help?
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Make sure “your” senior keeps a regular sleep schedule. Seniors who live alone are prone to sleeping problems, which can aggravate depression. Keep interesting activities and essential medication close at hand.
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Promote a sense of purpose. Struggling with depression affects people who’ve lost their sense of purpose in life. To keep loneliness at bay, encourage the senior to take up a hobby, such as knitting, reading or gardening.
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Keep “your” senior physically active. Physical activity is necessary for aging persons. Walking, stair climbing, and similar mild activities help to maintain good physical, mental, and emotional health.
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Make sure “your” senior eats healthily. Fruit and vegetables are a must for seniors, as well as other fiber-rich foods. Minimize sugar, starch and unhealthy fats.
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Support nutritious food for seniors. There are organizations delivering nutritious meals to homebound seniors on a daily basis. Their safety checks also reduce risks associated with loneliness, depression or untreated diseases. Nearly 8 % of Americans aged 60+ are “food insecure”. Two meals a day can make all the difference and prevent health problems related to malnutrition.
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**Encourage social interaction. **Encourage “your” senior to participate in local social activities e.g. playing cards, bowls, yoga, tai chi, volunteer work for a local charity, visiting extended family, or attending community events. An active social life improves physical, mental, and emotional health.
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Show seniors that you love them, that you need them. Listen to them, talk to them, hug them often, especially if they live alone.
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Keep an eye on “your” senior’s mental condition. Seniors who live alone often succumb to negative thinking and depression. Entrust them with some responsibility. For example, a dog or cat will make them feel loved and needed, keeping them physically active. Caring for plants and gardening can also be effective mood-boosters.
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Keep an eye on “your” senior’s health. Decreasing appetite and behavioral changes are symptoms of depression. Encourage them to seek professional help to prevent symptoms from deteriorating.
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Keep an eye on the medication “your” senior takes. Make sure he/she follows doctor’s orders in terms of lifestyle and the prescribed medication.
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**Leave your contact number **with the senior and encourage him/ her to call you for any problem or issue.
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Volunteer to help seniors in your community. Spend time at a Senior Center or Care Home – make the day of the residents brighter! Offer to run errands or to help them in any way they need.
