In both rural and urban settings, ageism and outmoded social standards have left older persons feeling alone and ostracized.
Traditional ideas of employment and retirement have not kept up with the increased lifespans of people. It will take new models, new instruments, and new standards to finance longevity.
Movement, safety, freedom, and sociability are frequently impeded by commonplace items, houses, and communities that were not initially planned with longevity in mind.
While most elderly persons say they would prefer to "age in place," one-third of those over 65 require assistance with at least one daily life function (e.g. eating, bathing, clothing).
Both formal (paid) and informal (unpaid) caregivers provide care for senior citizens. People with more complex diseases and higher degrees of acuity are receiving more and more care from both groups.
For older persons, the path to health care can be more convoluted and disjointed, as two thirds of them suffer many chronic illnesses.
Even though death is unavoidable, discussing and being ready for it doesn't seem to become any easier. Because of this, 25% of Medicare's funding is allocated to the final year of life