Dr. Thomas Maples

There are many wonderful aspects of growing older. You get to retire, you have time to pursue all the things you’ve always dreamed of, and you get to see the people you love thrive as they grow. However, there are also often stressors seniors start to face as they enter their golden years. From health concerns to money issues, these stressors can be more than just sources of worry: They can also lead to chronic health issues and serious mood disorders.

Fortunately, there are solutions to many of the concerns seniors face. Seniors can empower themselves to manage their worries by researching the best ways to handle them.

Money Worries

There are many financial concerns older adults face that may cause stress and anxiety. They may face concern about their retirement accounts or medical costs that may crop up down the road. Or, they might worry that they won’t have as much to leave behind to their loved ones as they had hoped.

Taking a hard look at your financial situation and recognizing all your options is the only way to face this fear. Look into all the scenarios you’re concerned about and figure out how you would handle them should they come up. A thorough evaluation will help you be more prepared and more confident in the meantime. And if you’re in debt, you can find help in the form of debt counselors who can help you get a firm foothold on this issue.

For example, if you think you may need it, figure out how you would afford assisted living. Many seniors assume their insurance would cover the cost of skilled nursing care or a retirement home, but that’s not always the case. Medicaid can help with the costs, but Medicare, for one, only covers skilled nursing care for short-term situations. Look into your insurance and figure out what it would cover, and if it won’t suffice, look into other means of funding, such as selling stocks or property, or dipping into savings.

Another big concern facing seniors is the issue of decreased mobility. As people age, they become more likely to develop issues such as joint pain or arthritis. Balance, strength, and flexibility also tend to get worse with age. As a result, seniors are at higher risk for slip and fall accidents and other mobility-related injuries.

One way for older adults to ensure their own safety is to consider a bathroom renovation. By modifying your shower and other bathroom features, you can ensure you have an easier, safer time taking care of yourself. This can prevent accidents and give you – and your loved ones – greater peace of mind. 

Another way seniors can deal with a decrease in mobility is to start a fitness routine that boosts strength, flexibility, and balance. Seated chair exercises can improve balance, and step exercises can strengthen your legs. One exercise that offers seniors many benefits is yoga. Yoga not only offers physical benefits like stronger bones and enhanced balance and flexibility, but it also can reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Sign up for a local class in your area to give it a try.

Retirement can be an exciting time, but many seniors are left wondering what to do with their abundance of freedom. If you’ve spent your whole life creating a schedule around work, trying to fill your time now that you aren’t working can be a bit of a challenge. Many seniors worry about becoming bored and listless in retirement.

However, there are plenty of options for those looking to make sure they stay busy in their golden years. For example, you can consider starting a new hobby, such as learning a craft or an instrument. You can join a group yoga class or get involved in local politics. More often than not, the biggest thing stopping people is a glut of options. Make a list of things you’re interested in, and try them one by one until you figure out which ones stick. Before you know it, your schedule will be jam-packed with things you love.

Seniors don’t deserve to spend their days worrying. Although there are legitimate things that may stress seniors out, you can find ways to address those concerns and move forward. Face your fears, and you can have the golden years you deserve.