Despite often being a welcome change for American seniors, the years after retirement can also present some unexpected challenges and concerns for older adults. Today, we’re going to focus on eight of the more common concerns seniors tend to have after retirement.
1. Covering Health-Related Expenses
According to a survey conducted by Bankrate.com, nearly 30 percent of adults surveyed about retirement concerns were worried about medical expenses. Specifically, unexpected health-related costs tend to be most worrisome. Seniors with this concern may be able to create safety nets with supplemental health insurance or health savings accounts (HSAs).
2. Having Enough Money to Live On
The Social Security Administration estimates nearly 25 percent of 65-year-olds today will live to at least age 90. While a longer anticipated life span is certainly good, it can create some uncertainty for seniors about being able to have enough money to live on post-retirement. Concerns of this nature may be mitigated by:
• Consulting with a financial adviser
• Using informative tools like a personal retirement calculator
• Exploring part-time work options that don’t exceed social security earnings limits
3. Managing Debt
Debt isn’t just something millennials worry about. In fact, people between the ages of 65 and 74 carry an average debt of more than $108,000, according to Smartasset.com. Older adults may be able to better handle lingering post-retirement debt by working with a credit counselor, considering debt consolidation options, and finding sensible ways to rein in spending.
4. Maintaining an Acceptable Quality of Life
A common post-retirement concern is experiencing a decrease in quality of life. This concern is related in part to common age-related health issues, such as decreased cognitive functioning and an increased risk of physical limitations. The best advice for seniors with such concerns is to make an effort to remain as healthy as possible by:
• Getting regular exercise
• Having routine exams and screenings
• Eating nutritious food
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Lincoln seniors can depend on.
5. Adjusting to a New Routine
The thrill of retirement sometimes goes away fairly quickly in the absence of a familiar routine. Depression may even set in because of a feeling of having a void to fill. This is a post-retirement issue that may be minimized by developing different interests and purposes. It may take time to do this, but eventually a new “normal” will develop.
6. Being Able to Stay at Home
A survey by AARP found roughly 90 percent of senior respondents planned to remain in their own homes for the foreseeable future. However, many older adults are worried about actually being able to do this safely. The good news is it’s often possible to make appropriate home adjustments or take advantage of in-home care options.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Lincoln senior care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
7. Staying Socially Connected
Spouses pass away, old friends and familiar neighbors move, work colleagues are no longer around, and grown children become busy with their own lives. These are just some of the factors that can contribute to post-retirement concerns about social isolation. With a little help from friends and family, it’s often possible to find new ways to stay socially connected after retiring.
8. Giving Up Familiar Perks
It’s easy to take the ability to drive or participate in more strenuous activities for granted. But such “perks” often enjoyed by younger adults may no longer be practical post-retirement. For instance, health issues or vision problems could make driving unsafe. On a positive note, it’s often possible to make appropriate adjustments, such as taking advantage of senior transportation services and exploring less physically demanding activities, such as water-based exercise, to compensate.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust elderly home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737.