August 8, 2012 by LIFE ElderCare
Based on a poll of 2,250 older adults, USA Today recently proclaimed, ?Life?s just good for most older Americans.? The article said that most seniors are content with their finances, their health and where they live, and are the most optimistic about the years to come.
Does this really represent an accurate picture of older Americans? Well, to start off, let?s get some perspective. According to the 2010 census, there are currently 40.3 million people in the US who are 65 or older. And the fastest growing segment of this group are those 85-94 years old. Their numbers have increased 29.9% from 2000 to 2010.
People who are 85 and older are increasingly suffering from chronic, limiting illnesses or conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis and senile dementia. These conditions make them increasingly dependent on others for help in performing activities of dally living.
National data indicates that over 80% of older adults with limitations in three or more ADL?s are still able to live in the community, but not without help. Fifty to sixty percent rely on informal family caregivers.
At LIFE ElderCare the majority of people we serve are over 85, but during the past year the number of younger seniors has increased. One example is Mary, 71 and her husband Michael, 73. After Mary suffered a few minor strokes and Michael lost his vision to macular degeneration, they found themselves without transportation and were unable to buy groceries, get to doctor appointments or maintain the upkeep on their Fremont home without family and outside assistance.
They both feel a deep sense of sadness about the prospect of having to sell their home to move into assisted living. ?We always imagined a retirement of traveling and good times,? says Michael, ?but you never know when illness is going to strike. This is not how we envisioned retirement.?
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