by Carol Gioia

Created on: May 23, 2008   Last Updated: November 11, 2008

The most important problem senior citizens face today is loss of independence. All other issues fall under this umbrella of incovenience and distress. Whether older persons have financial hardships, failing health or isolation concerns, the resulting problems inevitably infringe on their ability to remain independent.

The senior citizen population covers a wide age span. Whether they are at the beginning, middle or advanced end of the spectrum, loss of independence affects them in different ways and at different levels. It is a very real handicap and instills fear and robs the peace of mind of the majority of the aged populace.

We all value our independence and take pride in doing for ourselves. Senior citizens are no different. If anything, they are more determined to retain their independence as they sense it slipping away in small increments.

It is safe to say that most senior citizens are impacted by declining self sufficiency in some way. Here are several of the more common issues:

* Failing Health

Unfortunately, our bodies do not always serve us well up to the end of our lives. Many seniors suffer from physical and mental ailments. Many conditions and illnesses compromise mobility and leave seniors unable to live independently and care for themselves. Many seniors have difficulty admitting their limitations and accepting help. It is a blow to the self esteem to have to rely on others and many older persons will experience depression when their independence disappears.

* Financial Hardship

The more severe the shortage of money, the more likely the threat to independence. Fortunate are the seniors who have additional resources and do not have to rely exclusively on Social Security and Medicare to see them through their old age. Few are able to pay for services like housecleaning, yard upkeep, grocery shopping and trips to the doctor. Pride prevents many seniors from asking for help and the result can be malnutrition and living in a state of neglect.

* Isolation

In today's society many families are scattered far and wide and the unity and proximity that would benefit aging relatives is not always available. Many older citizens receive rare visits from their extended family and their declining abilities often go unnoticed. They suffer loneliness and boredom to such a degree that it will impact all areas of their health and well being. Even when family is close by it takes vigilance and awareness to discern the failing abilities of an older relative. Seniors will guard

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