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As we age, aging and illness seem to be an inevitable part of life. However, it is not until later in life that many people really understand that the saddest thing is not these natural phenomena, but other deeper problems.
This article will explore three of the saddest things about later life: loneliness and social isolation, financial hardship and financial stress, and loss of self-care and dignity.
Loneliness and social isolation
The first major challenge facing older adults is loneliness and social isolation. It's not just a matter of lack of social activity, it's a deep-seated psychological and emotional distress. With the death of their spouses, the absence of their children and the departure of their friends, many older people gradually lose their social circle, fall into loneliness and social isolation.
Many older people often feel lonely and socially isolated in care centres. This loneliness not only affects their mental health, but can also lead to depression and anxiety.
Studies have shown that social isolation in older adults is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and increased risk of early death. In fact, the impact of loneliness is comparable to that of chronic diseases, posing a huge threat to the physical and mental health of older people.
Loneliness and social isolation can be caused by a variety of factors, including the death of a spouse, the absence of children, and physical conditions that limit social activities. This loneliness and social isolation can leave older people feeling helpless and lost. They often miss their old social lives, but the reality is that they are becoming more and more isolated.
Financial hardship and financial stress
Financial hardship is another great challenge for older people in their later lives. As they retire, seniors have fewer sources of regular income, but the cost of living is rising. Medical costs, long-term care costs, and daily living expenses can all be a huge financial strain for seniors.
Research notes that many older people face financial difficulties in their later years and are unable to meet basic living needs. This not only affects their quality of life, but also brings great psychological stress. Financial hardship can affect the health of older people by preventing them from accessing necessary medical services and nursing support.
Older people often rely on retirement and savings to survive, but these sources of income are often insufficient to cover the high cost of medical care and care.
Many older people have had to cut back on their expenses and even rely on social benefits and support from their children. This financial predicament makes the elderly feel anxious and uneasy, and worry about their future lives.
Loss of self-care and dignity
With age, the deterioration of physical functions makes many elderly people gradually lose their ability to take care of themselves. It is one of the most feared and saddest things in their later years.
Losing their ability to take care of themselves means they need to be cared for by others, which not only affects their quality of life, but also has a huge negative impact on their mental health.
Studies have shown that older people who have lost their ability to take care of themselves often feel helpless and ashamed when they need help from others. They don't want to be a burden to their families, but the reality is that they can't do basic tasks of daily life independently, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
The loss of self-care also means the loss of part of their dignity, and older people often feel valued when they are dependent on others for care.
Psychological stress and depressive symptoms increased significantly in the elderly after losing their ability to take care of themselves. This further affects their physical and mental health, resulting in a significant reduction in their quality of life. Losing the ability to take care of oneself is not only a physical problem, but also a huge psychological and emotional challenge.
How to deal with the challenges of later life
Faced with these challenges in later life, we need to take a proactive approach. First, improve social support systems, strengthen social ties among older adults, and reduce loneliness.
Families and communities can help older people feel loved and accompanied through more interaction and support. For example, community events, volunteer services, and clubs for seniors are all great ways to help seniors expand their social circle and reduce loneliness.
Second, strengthen economic security measures to ensure that older people can enjoy adequate financial support and reduce their financial burden. The government and social organizations can help the elderly tide over economic difficulties by increasing pensions and providing medical subsidies. Proper financial planning and financial education can also help seniors better manage their finances and reduce financial stress.
Finally, interventions to improve the self-care ability of older people, such as providing health education and rehabilitation training, help them maintain basic self-care skills, dignity and self-confidence. Families and caregivers should also give older people more understanding and support, respect their autonomy, and help them feel respected and loved when they need help.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!
bibliography
1. Jie Li, Wei Wei Goh, NZ Jhanjhi, Filzah Binti Md Isa, Sumathi Balakrishnan. "An Empirical Study on Challenges Faced by the Elderly in Care Centres". EAI Endorsed Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology. 2021.