If you grew up in a family as I did we were taught not to, or shown role models who did not, complain. Well, mostly, there were complaints about where “it hurt” and other maladies that were an inconvenience or simply “signs of aging.” Let’s put that on pause for a moment and I’ll share what most people of an age find worthy of a complaint.
- Ageism may top the list, and it certainly is in the national spotlight during this electoral cycle. We all have been taught to not be racist, sexist or a number of ways that people have “othered” segments of our society. Yet, there seems to be a strong tide of ageism emerging, and it’s something that may not be warranted by actions or circumstances. It also can spread almost as readily as COVID-19 and it takes a toll on those who are “of an age.”
- Financial Security is not as well planned by a majority of folks as they may have thought, so even modest price inflation can be a setback. And the fact that Social Security benefits may have regular cost of living increases doesn’t seem to address the concern or seemingly the steady increase in the cost of goods.
- Quality Health Care also seems harder to find. We’ve seen a corporatization of health care in most settings that translate into seeing a qualified provider on a regular basis. If one has no health issues, this is not an issue, but for the typical 65+ year old with two or more health issues and five to seven prescriptions having to wait months for an appointment to a qualified provider seem life-threatening.
- What Happens If… When a person no longer can manage what we call the activities of daily living or simply can no longer reliably navigate their own home, walk to the corner grocer or drive their car, to whom do they turn? There are lots of options, but refer to complaint number two…they’re costly for those who had not saved for them or are simply unaffordable even with the nest egg.
You may have an older loved one whom you can assist in any number of ways, but that requires time and/or money as well as the desire to help. Take a look around and see for what duties you’ll sign up, and more importantly, begin thinking through your own plan for when you will need a bit of help from a friend. Plan your solutions to your complaints now!
Charlotte Bishop is an Aging Life Care Advisor, Retirement Lifestyle Coach and founder of Creative Care Management, LLC, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. She also is the co-author of How Do I Know You? A Caregiver’s Lifesaver for Dealing with Dementia.
