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5 Common Worries Seniors Face and How You Can Fight Back

October 5, 2018
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You’ve accumulated years of wisdom and you’re able to take the time to relax in retirement, enjoying the fruits of years of labor.

The flip side of the aging coin is some anxiety. It’s inevitable that you’ll have concerns.

Let’s take a look at some of the common worries seniors face.

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1. Loneliness

Relationships can change as you age.

You may lose your friends, spouse or other family members to illness or their own aging process.

It’s also common to lose the ability to travel, which makes seeing far-away friends difficult.

There are ways to combat this issue, though.

Fill your calendar with weekly dates with the people you enjoy who are close to you. Having plans on the books every week gives you something fun to look forward to.

If you don’t have friends or family close by, find a social group to join, like a book club, knitting circle or another activity that meets regularly.

2. Loss of independence

One of the common worries seniors face is eventually having to rely on other people.

The idea of someone else making decisions for you and having control over your life is scary.

There’s also a loss of dignity that comes with losing a sense of independence – especially if you need help with everyday tasks like bathing yourself, getting dressed or mobility.

Having conversations with your family members about your feelings and fears can help alleviate some of the stress.

The opportunity to express your wishes for the future to someone you trust is reassuring.

3. Financial burdens

Lack of money can be one of the biggest worries you face as you grow older.

Many seniors have prescription medications and other health-related bills that can be costly.

One of the ways to ease a scary financial situation is to have the right Medicare plan.

Talk to an insurance expert who can help you find the plan that’s suited to your unique needs.

4. Deteriorating health

A physical decline is to be expected when you reach a certain stage of life – and it’s frightening.

Taking care of yourself to the best of your ability can help you feel in control and can actually slow the aging process in many situations.

Here are some steps you can take to stay as healthy as you can, for as long as you can.

  • Stay active.
  • Eat well.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Stay up to date on immunizations and health screenings.
  • Manage stress with relaxation techniques like yoga (modified to your abilities) and breathing exercises.

5. Death of a spouse

Perhaps the biggest worry for seniors is the death of a spouse.

There’s nothing quite like the pain of losing your beloved companion.

It’s hard to even imagine life without that person.

Though there’s no cure for that kind of grief, surrounding yourself with loving friends and family and having a support system already in place before that time may come can at least give you a measure of comfort.

Medicare alleviates some of the common worries

Overall, the right Medicare plan can give you peace of mind in many of these areas.

For example, a Silver Sneakers program can help you stay fit and active, as well as give you a group of peers to hang out with on a regular basis.

Finding a plan that adequately covers your medical needs will lower your stress levels.

To find the best Medicare plan for you, talk with an independent insurance expert at UROne who has the skills and knowledge to pinpoint exactly what you need.

Which of these worries are at the top of your mind as you get older?

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.