Psychological and Social Challenges That Affect Older Adults

Older adults face many struggles in society that can affect their happiness, health, and well-being. This can prevent access to many of life’s necessities, including healthcare and financial security. Embarrassment and shame can prevent seniors from getting help to ease these societal barriers as well, exacerbating the problem. Research and familiarity with the problems adults over the age of 60 often face in society may help increase awareness.

Ageism

Seniors may experience limited access to certain parts of society due to ageism, or discrimination based on age. Ageism can come in numerous forms, as many younger adults may believe that older people lack the physical or mental capabilities to participate in society. Ageism means rejecting a job application after noticing an applicant’s age. It can also mean avoiding taking on patients over a certain age as a physician. Seniors may even face more denied health insurance claims, as the risk of complications might make treatments more costly. 

Senior Abuse

Aging adults may have to lean on caregivers for support if they experience mental or physical disabilities. Relying on the wrong caregiver can make anyone susceptible to physical, mental, sexual, or financial abuse. Abuse is unfortunately common in the senior community, even if one is aging at home; family members can even perpetrate abuse. In nursing homes or assisted living facilities, poor security can easily lead to lapses in patient care. Statistics on elder abuse are high, and it’s often underreported due to shame, stigma, and other factors. If you are a witness to or a victim of abuse in any form, seek out elder abuse legal help as soon as possible. There are plenty of support resources available to help you through any situation.

Limited Access to Healthcare

As humans age in society, the need for healthcare increases, but seniors may not always get equal access to treatments. Medicare, the government’s health insurance for seniors, does not cover all healthcare, especially when it comes to long-term hospital stays or residence in nursing homes. Not everyone can afford out-of-pocket expenses when coverage is limited. Virtual care isn’t offered or accessible to everyone, and traveling to appointments can be hard for some seniors.

Financial Problems

In 2024 alone, it was estimated that 80% of seniors struggle financially. Many older adults have limited savings, and some not at all. The cost of living in recent years has risen dramatically, and Social Security payments alone are typically not enough to comfortably survive. Inflation also contributes to the problem, leaving many seniors no choice but to leave retirement, sell their homes, or make other dire sacrifices. The inability to afford the needs and wants of life can severely lower health and happiness among any population. For those who can’t rejoin the workforce, they may need to rely on family or can even become homeless.

Empathy to Caregiver Stress

Family members often have to provide care for older family members, especially if financial insecurity is involved. These family members usually assume many roles in life beyond a caregiver; they may also be a parent, a student, or have a full-time career. The labor of these responsibilities can cause stress and role strain. Older adults under the care of these family members may see the impact it has and experience guilt and stress in return. An empathetic response to struggling family members can lead to poor well-being, especially when older adults have no other caregiving options.

Loneliness or Isolation

Members of modern society are more independent and isolated than in the past. Aging adults aren’t as socially active as a result, which can make it easy to experience isolation or loneliness. Isolation from society can even lead to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Staying social can even improve the symptoms of or decrease the chances of developing dementia. Grief also plays a part in the loneliness or isolation epidemic in older adults. The death of loved ones can have devastating consequences, especially spouses or other close companions. Other societal barriers, like ageism, can also increase the chances of isolation.

Changes in Family

When an older adult becomes more reliant on the rest of the family for care, roles can swap. Aging family members who are more accustomed to being the head of the family may find it difficult to take on a more passive role in family care. It can be distressing to feel less independent in one’s family. If an older adult experiences the death of a spouse or other important family member, this change can feel intensely isolating and distressing. Divorce, marriage, career changes, and moves that affect a family’s roles can also be a source of stress for an older adult, especially in modern society where divorces are more common.

Conclusion

Adults aged 60 and over have a unique role in society, but they often face barriers that can limit their freedom, well-being, and health. Ageism can prevent them from getting a job, accessing healthcare, or socializing with younger members of a community. Money troubles are also unfortunately common in seniors, which can bar them from housing, food, medical care, and enjoyment in life. Isolation or loneliness due to grief or a change in family roles can add to stress and poor well-being. Seniors are also a common victim of many types of abuse from caregivers; this trauma can deeply affect well-being and happiness, and even lead to death. There is no one way to treat or address these barriers, but legal aid, mental health support, and quality healthcare are excellent ways to start.