Why we need more services for those without family
By Carol Marak
Thriving in a place
that’s safe and comfortable, surrounded by cozy memories is a natural desire of
older adults. We treasure independence and want a space to call our own, and we
prefer that place to reflect the person we’ve become. We understand that aging
bids compromise, and once 65 hits, the changes bring reminders that we’re no
longer the same. We don’t move as quickly, we don’t multitask as well, nor do
we easily adapt. Those are the simple cues. As we age, the physical and mental
challenges delivered through loss, immobility and dependence are the ones that
put us at higher risks.
However, the effects of aging land harder on an “elder orphan,”
because the worry and concern of “what will become of me if I can’t care for
myself?” triples when no one is around. An elder orphan has no adult children,
spouse or companion to rely on for company, assistance or input. About 29 percent
(13.3 million) of noninstitutionalized older persons live alone. The majority
of those are women (9.2 million, vs. 4.1 million men).
The
stresses of living alone will likely worsen for the boomers as a group since we
have fewer children, more childless marriages and more divorces compared to
earlier generations.
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