A FEW days ago, my wife and I went to the mall grocery to buy some foodstuff. As she was lining up in the queue waiting for her turn to pay the cashier, I was just standing nearby and watched a group of senior citizens in a huddle.
If I’m not mistaken, these elderly guys were just a little bit older than I am, or maybe the same age. As I stood there, one of them caught my attention because he was obviously having a hard time with his cell phone. He tried asking the help of his friends but I can tell that they weren’t the ‘techie’ types too. To hasten the resolution of his problem, the elderly with the cell phone issue called his grandson and asked the kid to tell him what to do.
The scenario was a very familiar one. While I am not totally ignorant of technological gizmos, still, there are times when I don’t know what to do with them. This brings my mind to the reality of the plight of senior citizens in this very fast-changing world.
Challenges of the 65 and over
This demographic, the ones aged 65 and over, (the group I belong to) make up a significant portion of the population and face unique challenges as they navigate the changing world.
One of the most significant challenges we face is the rapid pace of technological advancement. While technology has greatly improved many aspects of life, it can be overwhelming and difficult for some seniors like me to keep up with. This can lead to social isolation as we struggle to communicate with family and friends who rely heavily on digital platforms. It can also create barriers to accessing important services, such as healthcare, banking, and transportation.
Another challenge we face is the changing landscape of the workforce. Many people in my age bracket are choosing to continue working beyond retirement age for financial reasons or to stay active and engaged. However, ageism and a lack of training opportunities can make it difficult for seniors to find employment or advance in their careers.
In addition to these challenges, we seniors also face unique health concerns as we age. Chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, and dementia, can impact the quality of life and require ongoing care and management. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the vulnerability of seniors to infectious diseases and the importance of social support networks.
And the biggest hurdle is the stereotype about aging. The idea that seniors are frail, forgetful, or unable to learn new things can lead to isolation, as well as low self-esteem and a negative self-image among many of us seniors.
How society can support/empower seniors
Despite these challenges, there are many ways in which society can support and empower senior citizens in this rapidly shifting world. For example, some organizations and initiatives offer technology training and support to seniors, helping them to stay connected and have access to important services. Employers can also offer age-friendly policies and training programs to help seniors remain active and engaged in the workforce.
In addition, healthcare providers and policymakers can work to improve access to healthcare and social support services for seniors. This includes expanding telehealth services, improving transportation options, and investing in affordable housing and community resources.
Ultimately, as the world continues to change, we mustn’t forget about the needs and contributions of senior citizens. By working together to address the challenges they face and empower them to thrive, we need to create a more inclusive and compassionate society for people of all ages.
