Beech Tree News Network

Who are our senior citizens? Senior citizens are commonly defined as elderly persons, usually those who are more than sixty or sixty-five years of age. About one in every seven, or 14.5%, of the population is an older American (https://aoa.acl.gov/aging_statistics/profile/2015/2.aspx). As I celebrate another birthday, I’ve been thinking about senior issues: income, health concerns, and personal attitude.

“By the year 2050, it is projected that the senior citizen population in the U.S. will increase to … about 20 percent of the population overall” (http://nowitcounts.com/fascinating-worldwide-statistics-regarding-senior...). For decades, senior income has been a concern. As of 2011, the average median income for senior citizens was $31,354 per year. This is contrasted against the average median household income in the U.S., estimated at $49,777. Senior poverty rates are relatively low, hovering around 8.9 percent as of 2009, a number that dropped by nearly 3 million persons from the year prior. One source (http://seniorliving.about.com/od/lawpolitics/a/senior_pop_life.htm) stated that in 2005 approximately 81% of householders age 65 and older owned their homes while only 43% of householders under age 35 owned their homes. Additionally in 2015, 40% of seniors 65 and older had a computer at home, and 25% of the senior population reported using the Internet. The growing senior population may yet face unanticipated financial constraints.

One financial benefit provided to seniors is that many businesses discount prices for this population. Some restaurants offer special menus or discounted pricing to seniors (often with an AARP membership); some begin the discount at age 55. Restaurants that provide senior benefits include: IHOP, Denny’s, Papa John’s, Outback Steak House, Golden Corral, Dunkin’ Donuts, Arby’s and Applebee’s. It’s usually as simple as asking whether a senior discount is available. Hotels often provide discounts, too, especially to AARP members. When making a hotel reservation, asking for a senior discount may result in a 10% savings. 

Health information and service for senior citizens is also an area of concern. MedlinePlus, sponsored by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (https://medlineplus.gov/seniorshealth.html), provides senior health education online. While many physical and mental changes are part of normal aging, others may be signs of medical problems. This site makes available information to help people recognize the difference. It also provided the following statistics (https://aoa.acl.gov/aging_statistics/profile/2015/2.aspx):

•Persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 19.3 years (20.5 years for females and 18 years for males).

•The population of 65 and over … is projected to more than double to 98 million in 2060. 

•The major sources of income as reported by older persons in 2013 were Social Security (reported by 84% of older persons), income from assets (reported by 51%), private pensions (reported by 27%), government employee pensions (reported by 14%), and earnings (reported by 28%).

Clearly, as the senior population continues to grow, the need for health education and services will likely expand. And since seniors live on a fairly fixed income, these services should be available at a relatively low cost.

The senior citizen’s attitude is also important to health and to quality of life. Author Lionel Fisher provided the following advice to the senior population (http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/seniors):

“Now that you’re old, cut yourself some slack, would you?

Let yourself off the hook.

Give yourself a break.

You don’t have to do it all anymore. Take it easy for a change.

It’s OK with the rest of the world. So why not you?

For the first time in your life, do what you want.

Not what everyone else thinks you should.

Not what you think everyone else thinks you should.

Do what you want.

Excuse yourself. Say no. Back out. Beg off. Stay home. Take a rain check. Take a nap. Watch the ball game on TV.

Anything but what you’d rather not do but feel you have to for everyone else's sake but your own. And then feel bad about having done it. That's plain wrong.

And ask for some help when you need it: 'It’s too heavy.' 'It's too far.' Too near. Too cold. Too hot. Too bright. Too dark.

Whatever.

It's OK because there's always going to be something you need help with anymore. 

And be grateful for the helping hand. You'll find more and more people extend one to you these days. Whatever the reason for accepting you’ve got the best excuse in the world. The only one you’ll ever need:

'Hey, I’m old” (Lionel Fisher, Celebrating Time Alone: Stories of Splendid Solitude).

I enjoyed Fisher’s logic and may occasionally follow his advice – especially the nap part. Yet, maintaining an independence attitude seems to support good overall health.

Finally, as Douglas Coupland explained, “Long lives aren't natural. We forget that senior citizens are as much an invention as toasters or penicillin” (https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/senior_citizens.html). For me, joining the ranks of senior citizens didn’t hurt too badly. Or maybe since I’m so old, I have subconsciously given myself a break – permission not to worry about something I can’t change.