Senior Issues

It’s imperative that those under the age of 55 pay close attention to the resulting legislation, guidelines, advancements, and challenges, because each subsequent generation suffers or benefits from the previous action.

Hot-Button Senior Issues

Health Care and Prescription Costs

No one expects seniors to get everything for free. There’s also no reason to be taken to the cleaners, simply because you’re over a certain age and may need a product or service more.

Many experts and legislators advocate that the costs for health care and prescription medication border on price gouging. The National Coalition on Health Care cites statistics, from the most recent data in 2004, that indicate:

• Total national health costs went up 7.9 percent, which is three times more than the rate of inflation.
• The average amount spent per person in that year was $6,280.
• Total spending in 2004 for health care was $1.9 trillion, which was 16 percent of the United States’ gross national product.

The coalition also asserts that more than 40 million Americans are uninsured, yet our country still spends more on health care than other countries that provide health coverage to citizens.

It’s common for seniors to pay $500 a month or more on senior health care. When it comes to simple survival economics, more people trying to manage their retirement income will drop health insurance if they can’t afford it, or cut back on food and heating expenses. A Harvard University study in 2005 also revealed that approximately 50 percent of bankruptcies filed were due in part to large medical expenses.

What You Can Do:

• Take better care of yourself. Preventative maintenance helps you stay healthier, longer, and reduces the need for chronic condition care. If you do become ill, your general well-being will help you heal more quickly. You hear it over and over, but the right senior nutrition and regular exercise are beneficial to your overall health, as well as your pocketbook.
• Talk to your doctor about the use of generic drugs for your condition to save money.
• Attend meetings and forums designed to raise awareness about the rising costs of health care.
• Contact your policymakers with real-life examples of senior issues such as health care costs.

Medicare and Social Security

Financial experts have waved red flags on this senior issue for the past 10 years. Why? Because the largest segment of the American population, the Baby Boomers are growing up, getting older, and wanting their Social Security funds. The volume of expected and paid benefits outweighs the current contributions, and the surplus (depending on who you believe) won’t last much longer.

The doomsday clock has been ticking for quite some time on Social Security and Medicare benefits. Since it was never intended to be a permanent device for retirement, the fact that it might dissolve comes as no surprise.

What You Can Do:

• Be proactive about retirement income planning. Make adjustments to account for the fact that Social Security benefits may not be available. Talk with a personal financial advisor to determine your best course of action now.
• Research insurance options in order to supplement Medicare currently allowable under the revised guidelines. Since the Medicare premium is deducted from your Social Security benefits, you may need additional insurance coverage or income to cover the difference.
• If you know you still have 10+ years of earning, diversify your income and spending in preparation for what will be more reasonable on your own investments, without Social Security.
• Don’t cave in to scare tactics. Take the time to do thorough financial research before making a decision.

Affordable Housing and Nursing Home Care

Another senior issue of considerable concern is housing, most specifically nursing home care. But this battle has many fronts.

• Decisive ways for seniors to stay in their homes safely and affordably.
• More cost-effective nursing homes and assisted living care.
• Better regulations to ensure quality nursing home care, as well as working conditions.

The National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform is dedicated to raising awareness about nursing homes.

Additionally, many municipalities are changing property tax requirements, helping with home improvements, providing heating and cooling assistance, and other services to encourage seniors to stay in their homes for as long as possible.

However, one major concern many seniors have is the high cost of in-home care, much of which is not covered by major health plans.

What You Can Do:

• As you consider options for retirement living, think about how you can gain additional support through group living. More planned retirement communities are designed to encourage separate living quarters but a stronger network of shared resources. For example, hiring traveling nurses that spend a day stopping at many homes within a group community network.
• Petition your state and local government representatives for continued reform.
• Consider volunteering in a nursing home in whatever capacity you can to improve the quality of life for residents, especially if your loved one lives there, and see firsthand what’s going on.

The Older Americans Act of 2006

For all the concerns these major senior issues raise, progress is being made. In 2006, the U.S. government enacted amendments to Older Americans Act, originally established in 1965 to promote independence and dignity to an aging population.

The amendments are designed to:

• Encourage multi-governmental cooperation for long-term care needs.
• Increased awareness and prevention of elder abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
• Better outreach and support of caregivers through the National Family Caregiver Support Program.
• Increased focus on mental health disorder prevention and treatment.

For More Information

In addition to the articles on LoveToKnow Seniors, get more information on senior issues from these sources:

• National Institute on Aging. A division of the National Institutes of Health, the NIA has a mission to improve the well-being of senior citizens through research on a number of levels.
• AARP. This organization is a strong force in Washington, and works continuously on raising awareness on and finding solutions for senior issues.
• U.S. Administration on Aging. Founded under the 1965 Older Americans Act, this organization assists seniors with a variety of programs.
• State elder affairs departments. Each state in America has a department of elder affairs or department on aging. These offices are a wealth of information, including resources for assistance and updates on topical concerns.

Conclusion

Senior issues touch us all, whether directly, through caring for loved ones, or as a blip on our own horizon. Understanding these issues and actively planning for the future promotes peace of mind for each of us.

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