The National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a survey of Americans 60 and over as well as professionals who normally work with older adults. The survey’s purpose was to determine common concerns among aging adults, many of whom are retired or preparing for retirement. Below, you’ll find eight of the top things seniors tend to worry about after retirement.
1. Staying in Good Health
One of the positive things associated with retirement is having more freedom to make plans and explore new pursuits. However, seniors often have concerns about physical and mental health issues that could derail post-retirement plans. A related concern is age-related cognitive decline. In Arlington, senior care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.2. Being Financially Secure
Many seniors are concerned about having enough post-retirement income and savings to live comfortably after they’re no longer working. Because retirement finances can sometimes be complicated, especially if investment accounts and other assets are involved, such concerns can be minimized by seeking input from a financial advisor.3. Remaining at Home
According to an AARP survey, roughly 90 percent of seniors intend to remain in their current homes for the foreseeable future. Even so, many older adults do have concerns about being able to age in place. Fortunately, there are ways to strategically and gradually make senior-friendly home adjustments that may be needed at some point after retirement.4. Facing Unexpected Expenses
Seniors often worry about the general cost of living in relation to their available retirement income, but what really concerns older adults is the possibility of being faced with unexpected bills. Large medical expenses, in particular, are a common post-retirement concern.5. Having to Trim Costs
After retirement, it sometimes becomes necessary for seniors to find ways to cut costs. In some cases, this process can be stressful if simply putting off vacations or taking advantage of senior discounts doesn’t help much. Such concerns may be minimized by: • Working part-time • Downsizing to a smaller home • Exploring senior perks such as reverse mortgages to pay off debts or make cost-effective home improvements6. Experiencing Social Isolation
Retirement often coincides with a time when grown children have their own family obligations. Furthermore, it may become difficult for seniors to remain connected with former coworkers who were also friends. Older adults may also either lose their spouses after retirement or have to provide more care for them. These are all factors that can contribute to increased social isolation if seniors aren’t proactive about maintaining social connections and looking for ways to make new ones. For families living in Arlington, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.7. Finding a New Post-Retirement Purpose
Some retired seniors go from being excited about retirement to feeling like they no longer have a clear purpose in life. While making a successful transition to retired life can be difficult for some older adults, it’s an adjustment that may be smoother if they: • Explore new hobbies or learning opportunities • Volunteer or find other ways to get involved in their communities • Consider pet adoption- Experiment with different therapies, such as ones involving art or music.