With 617 million over the age of 65, shouldn't we take better care of our elderly?
@WendySpickerman (983)
United States
March 29, 2016 8:45am CST
In a new report which just came out from the NIH (National Insititute of Health), it has been reported over 617 million are now over the age of 65. One can't help but wonder if we should be taking better care of these people.
I've heard tons of stories from those on social security who can't afford to pay their bills and keep food in the house. They say social security just does not provide enough.
With many living longer lives that means more people in poverty. So what is a country to do? Companies prefer to retire someone than keep paying older employees, once you are retired it can be difficult to find any work, yet we are living longer.
What suggestions might you have for helping the elderly live a longer, healthier life with some form of feeling that they are contributing and providing in the community?
Where should our elderly live?
What types of jobs could we set aside specifically for the elderly?
What time of healthcare should we be focusing on?
At the age of 45, this is something that does concern me. I'm a divorced single parent of three. I've changed job careers. Dating to me now is about as foreign as learning another language. As one gets older companies do tend to look at the new generation.
When I turn 65, I'd like to have my own home. I wonder how many others would like to own their own home. If not what type of community are you looking to live in? Is renting and leasing realistic for the elderly?
5 people like this
5 responses
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
29 Mar 16
I think manufacturing jobs should return to US, and the companies can arrange for more packing or assembly jobs that allow that people to do at home.
As long as the quality control is there, parts or products that are done at home are no difference than those made in factories.
2 people like this
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
29 Mar 16
I am going to assume the 617 million figure is world wide, because that is twice the total current US population.
I agree that more should be done for the elderly. They were sold a bill of goods by the government who let them think Social Security would take care of them in their golden years when, in truth, Social Security was never meant to be a retirement plan on its own. It was crafted to supplement people's own retirement savings and preparations. A lot of people, especially lower income and poorly educated workers, never understood that, and the SSA never went to much effort to make it understood.
The US needs to take a long, hard, realistic look at what can and cannot be done regarding our aging population. Only a decade away from 65 myself, this problem weighs heavily on me and my wife every day. Fortunately, we've never counted on Social Security still being around by the time we retire and have made our own plans. Not everyone is in a position to do that.
2 people like this
@Letranknight2015 (52665)
• Philippines
29 Mar 16
were taking care of our grandma here. and she's 87
1 person likes this
@WendySpickerman (983)
• United States
29 Mar 16
That's great! I love hearing how family members take care of each other.
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
29 Mar 16
There should be a home in program, like a fostering system, WITH lots of balance and checks. I could use an eldar here to make maybe 1 meal a day and let the dogs out when we were away
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
29 Mar 16
@WendySpickerman I can see room for abuse, BUT, I can see usefulness too, like part time child care, say if your kids got home before you get off work, Auntie Guest could watch, maybe anyways
@WendySpickerman (983)
• United States
29 Mar 16
That's a great idea. Thanks for sharing with us.
1 person likes this
