Aging brings numerous challenges

At a recent restaurant visit, a spry 70-something waitress hustled to bring menus to our table. To the usual greeting and how-are-you banter, she responded with “Woke up on the right side of this dirt this morning, so I’m great.” Her witty greeting was indicative of an attitude that we saw through our brief encounter. She sat down at the table with us to take our order and told us to hold our britches when we asked if the appetizers were still in the works. She had spunk.

This, of course, was a good thing. Although she have moved slower than the teenage waitress that serviced the other half of the restaurant, she held her own. While some at our table applauded her fortitude, some also wondered what life challenges meant this aging woman still needed to hustle for wages. The women in our group worried.

Will we need to be balancing a tray of six Fried Chicken Specials when we are silver haired?    

It was none of our business. She may have been waitressing because she loved it or perhaps she owned the business and saw it as a way to stay in touch with customers. But there was also a chance that financial circumstances kept her in the workforce, when she might have preferred a less physically challenging ways to spend her days. Knitting or gardening certainly would have meant less exertion.  

Seniors face numerous physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges. As much as we are warned to plan ahead, many of us are taken off guard when a sudden illness hits. The death of a spouse can be devastating. The need to trade in the four-bedroom home where you raised a family for a studio apartment can be heartbreaking.

What can you do?

A church family will be welcoming. Most churches have ministries which focus on helping the seniors in their congregation. Find the church right for you. Reach out. Talk to others.

Find a community of peers. Join an organization where you can meet and talk to peers. You can share tips, resources, and support each other.

Reach out to others. There are numerous community organizations designed to help seniors face challenges, from providing rides to doctor appointments to bringing meals to your home. We list some here to help you get started.

Stay active and engaged. One of the most important things is to stay active. Get up and move, as often and as best as you can. Stay focused on what you can do, not what you can’t. Maintain hobbies, connections with people. Begin or maintain your connection with God. You are loved. Let scripture and prayer help guide you to fulfilling days.

Resources for Seniors

National Institute on Aging

NIA’s information specialists are available to help support older adults, including those living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, and their caregivers. Contact the NIA Information Centers at the numbers or email addresses below. Phones and emails are answered Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m. EST.

NIA Information Center
niaic@nia.nih.gov
Phone: 800-222-2225

Alzheimer's and related Dementias Education and Referral Center
adear@nia.nih.gov
Phone: 800-438-4380

Nutrition

• Nutrition For Elderly People

• 10 Tips For A Healthy Diet After Age 50

• Choosing Healthy Meals As You Get Older

Exercise

• Senior Citizen Exercises: Sample Workout Plans

• 10 Chair Exercises For Seniors

• 5 Beginner Yoga Poses For Seniors

• 7 Best Abdominal Exercises For Seniors (Do These Anywhere)

Mental Health

• Memory Loss: 7 Tips To Improve Your Memory

• Helping Seniors Avoid Social Isolation

• Can Dogs Help Seniors Suffering From Isolation?

• The Best Hobbies For Seniors For Physical And Mental Well-Being

• Good Hobbies For Seniors Living Alone

• 10 Active Senior Hobbies

National Council on Aging

For many of us, good health helps ensure independence, security, and productivity as we age. Yet, health and safety challenges, such as chronic conditions, falls, and mental health issues impact millions of older Americans—all of which can impact quality of life. NCOA develops solutions that address health and well-being, including falls prevention, nutrition, social isolation, aging in place, and access to Medicare and Medicaid. NCOA also supports a network of over 11,000 senior centers nationwide.

Affiliate Member Senior Centers Smart Senior
836 E 65th St, Suite 8
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 352-4405

Affiliate Member Senior Centers
Senior Citizens, Inc.
3025 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 236-0363

Affiliate Member Senior Centers
Woodville Community Center
131 Darling St
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: (912) 965-2373