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 being more difficult. It can be tricky for the nation’s seniors to stay healthy, active and productive during the twilight years.

Aging is a natural process, but it does not mean there are no choices about how to age. Although health issues and stress may be experienced as you approach your senior years, there are options for lifestyle, health care and personal pursuits in order to achieve successful, healthy and active golden years. The support of a counselor may be beneficial to ease moving from middle age into later years.

Common Aging Concerns and Geriatric Issues

Seniors often experience areas of concern during later life, but they do not have to be equated with emotional or behavioral health issues. Misdiagnosis usually occurs due to the fact that seniors can be depressed at this stage of life. Issues of loss, aging, retirement, mobility, independence, interpersonal relationships, chronic illness, debilitating pain, dying and death often intertwine, resulting in negative thoughts and feelings. It is important to recognize and understand some of the challenges facing seniors, and see them as a reason for older adults to seek counseling.

Major challenges facing seniors:

• Physical Health Issues – As a natural part of growing older, many senior adults over the age of 65 may experience some physical changes. Even the healthy ones may have a gradual decline in the areas of bodily strength, visual and verbal memory, hearing and vision, and appetite and energy level. These can limit certain abilities and activities previously performed.

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

• Frustration – Challenges to senior health lurk when retirement arrives. Suddenly, tasks that were formerly simple have 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 out of seniors who finally have the time to do what they have long wanted to do but are no longer physically able to do so.

• Loneliness – The senior years are the time to realize how precious life is as loved ones, peers and friends of senior adults become ill and pass away. The dwindling list of friends and acquaintances compel seniors to find entertainment and fulfilment during retirement. The loving spouse that used to be a saving anchor may be gone, not to be forgotten or replaced. The loneliness that results can affect how older adults take the risk of inviting someone to become close and ultimately lose them. In the wake of many deaths, facing mortality hand-in-hand with experiencing isolation can bring about highly charged emotions, such as grief, guilt, anger, etc.

• Loss of Control – There was a time was when senior adults were respected more, and their opinions valued more. It was customary to seek your approval prior to a course of action. The respect and independence earned in the past are undermined as others take over in making important life decisions for you – for your own good. It can be dispiriting for seniors to lose control over your own destiny.

• Insecurity – With the economy in turmoil and without solid welfare programs for retirees, the fear of an unsecured future can weigh on the minds of older adults. Now that you are no longer working and unable to replenish the nest egg, becoming financially secure and enjoying retired life may seem farfetched.

Experiencing these physical, emotional and behavioral challenges may render it difficult for some senior adults to face the transition to retirement, accept physical limitations or medical conditions, or find new resources so the later years can be more meaningful and enjoyable. It may be advantageous to seek counseling to reduce the impact of these issues and help seniors become accustomed to the changes.

Caring for the Emotional Health of Senior Adults

Senior adults grew up in a time when seeking counseling was stigmatized and when emotional issues were written off as a usual part of aging. Traditionally, older adults sought the comfort of family, doctors or spiritual leaders. Nowadays, however, these support systems may not have adequate skills and time to spend counseling seniors. As a result, many seniors become strong survivors who can surmount challenges with discipline, determination and will power. The number of life-changing transitions and losses, however, may intensify the vulnerability of the senior population.

Unfortunately, “white knuckling it” alone through your grief, anger, frustration, and other emotional pains may not be the most effective strategy for healthy aging. As it is conventional for seniors to spare their children from the burden of their worries and concerns, where can they turn?

The continued increase in the number of seniors expected to live longer now than the previous generation signals the need to expand the support system to a population often overlooked. It places a renewed focus on the need to provide quality emotional health care for seniors. The good news is that today seeking counseling is considered as a treatment for various emotional and behavioral issues not necessarily associated with the aging process. Counseling has been proven effective in treating older adults with distressing feelings, and it is more preferred than medication, given the risk of pharmacological side effects in senior adults.

Thanks to an increased awareness that changed older senior’s attitude about counseling, research shows that seniors are often the ones more serious about therapy. The remaining 15 or 20 years of life, and the transition that occurs during this period often leads to the process of reflection to compel seniors to enter therapy late in life.

It is Never too Late for Counseling

If you or someone you know is nearing later life, let the endless events and experiences symbolize the resiliency of your age. Let them be your strength as you enhance your personal resources with the help of a wise and experienced geriatric counselor who genuinely cares. Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC offers senior counseling services to assist older adults and their families adjust to the age-related changes. An independently contracted geriatric counselor may be the right fit professional who can provide powerful support resources to address life changes unique to seniors.

Life can be lived at its fullest regardless of what stage you are in. If you want to continue forward at full hilt and enjoy the senior years in calmness, be sure your emotional health is a priority. Seeking help is the first step. It is never too late for counseling. Call, text or send an email to CCS – Fuquay-Varina, NC to schedule an appointment.

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