The United States’ Census Bureau projected the country to be an aging nation as the number of residents aged 65 and over continues to rise between 2015 and 2060. In 2015, this group accounted for 14.9 percent (47.8 million) of the total population. While many senior adults look forward to the next phase in life and spending time doing enjoyable things with loved ones, transitioning past middle age can present challenges that result in growing older feeling more and more difficult. It can be tricky for the nation’s seniors to stay healthy, active and productive during their twilight years.

Aging is a natural process, but it doesn’t mean you have no choice in how you age. Although health issues and stress may be experienced as you grow older, there are options for improving your lifestyle, health care and personal pursuits. The support of a counselor may be beneficial to help you age as you’d like.

Common Aging Concerns 

As we age there are common concerns that many of us face. Some of these challenges may include:

• Physical Health Issues – As a natural part of growing older, many seniors experience physical changes. Even the healthiest of us may have a gradual decline in the areas of bodily strength, visual and verbal memory, hearing, vision, appetite and energy level. This can limit certain abilities and activities previously performed.

• Cognitive and Emotional Health Concerns – Aging can be accompanied by cognitive decline. For some this can mean the onset of dementia, leading to significant impairment in functioning. This may influence the development of emotional and behavioral health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and self-harming activities.

• Frustration –Suddenly, tasks that were formerly simple may become strenuous, such as getting out of bed, picking something up off the floor, playing with the grandchildren, and walking around the neighborhood. All these can take a toll on seniors who finally have the time to do what they have long wanted to do but are no longer physically able to do in the same ways. This can inevitably lead to frustration and rightfully so. 

• Loneliness – With age many of those close to us begin to become ill and pass away. This loss can lead to a great deal of loneliness. Facing mortality hand-in-hand with experiencing isolation can bring about highly charged emotions, such as grief, guilt, anger, etc.

• Loss of Control – As many age their independence may begin to change. Many things can feel out of our control as we age. This can lead to a great deal of anxiety and distress. 

• Insecurity – Aging can bring insecurity financially as well as personally. As we begin to change we may feel less confidence in our abilities. Retirement can also change income and lead to some insecurity regarding finances. 

All of these challenges can be overwhelming and difficult to cope with on your own. The good news is, you are never alone. 

Therapy and Aging

If you are struggling with the challenges of aging, therapy can help. We aren’t able to change the fact that we are aging, but we can choose how we approach this next phase of life. Our perspective can make a huge difference. 

You deserve validation of your experience and support. A trained contracted therapist with CCS – Fuquay-Varina, NC can provide this. Working with your therapist you can set goals for yourself and achieve them. Enjoy this next phase of your life, you deserve it. Call today to get started.

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