7 Most Common Fears for Older Adults

Although age brings experience and wisdom, it can also cause a number of fears to emerge. Often, family members can alleviate their senior loved ones’ anxiety and stress. Here are some common fears the elderly can experience. 

 

1. Loss of Independence

Many people cherish the freedom to make choices and live independently. As seniors age, they can lose their independence. The possibility of mental or physical limitations often necessitates relying on others to make decisions. Reassure your loved one that his or her best interests are important to you. 

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 to manage 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 Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of home care Arlington seniors can depend on.

 

2. Memory Loss

Cognitive impairment often affects memory and the ability to recognize people or have awareness, which can instill fear in many older people. While age may cause slight memory loss, growing older isn’t synonymous with developing dementia. Encourage your loved one to stay mentally alert by adopting a healthy lifestyle and exercising his or her cognitive ability. 

 

3. Being Unsafe

Seniors are often susceptible to different types of crime. Older people can become the victims of physical attacks because they’re more vulnerable. Criminals can also target elderly people via scams or burglaries for financial gain. Help your loved one create a secure home environment and educate him or her about possible hazards. 

 

4. Having an Injury

The possibility of having an injury increases if an elderly person hasn’t taken measures to ensure bone health, balance, flexibility, and strength. Injuries because of falls are common in seniors. Staying active, consuming a healthy diet, and fall-proofing the home can prevent age-related weakness and reduce the chances of falling and getting injured. 

Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

 

5. Poor Health

The cells, tissues, and organ systems in the body typically become less efficient with age. Some seniors are more vulnerable to various medical conditions because of genetics and unhealthy lifestyles. Poor health can deplete finances and quality of life. Helping your loved one adopt a healthy lifestyle can prevent a variety of health conditions. 

 

6. Reduced Finances

Even though seniors have bills to pay, the opportunities for them to make money can diminish over time. Help your loved one with financial planning, budgeting, and investments to prevent devastating financial loss. Healthy seniors might also consider getting part-time jobs. 

 

7. Loss of the Familiar

As seniors age, they can lose friends and significant others to illness and death. Retirement brings the loss of a familiar workplace and coworkers. Family members are often busy with their own lives and may not always be available to comfort their loved ones. A series of losses can lead to depression in the elderly. To overcome this, seniors can become more active in their communities, where they have the chance to establish new friendships. A new hobby can help a senior pass the time and may even become a welcome source of income. 

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Arlington families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Call us today to create a customized in-home care plan.