For many, getting old can be a time of loneliness and depression. And, the term “Golden Years” will, most likely, not apply to them. Lack of planning, unsuccessful goals, and medical problems do not make for a happy senior citizen lifestyle. Whatever the reasons, getting old can be lonely, fearful, and depressing time of life.

People rush through life, looking for retirement and the “good” life. They believe they’ll reap wondrous rewards for the blood and sweat for their contributions to big corporate bank rolls. Ah, yes, the day will come when they are without time schedules, deadlines, family expenses, and limited freedom. Oh, it will be a joyous time! But, unfortunately, a bountiful, carefree, rich senior lifestyle is not, usually, recognized by the majority of people.

Some senior citizens find themselves without enough income to provide a roof over their heads, while others realize too late, that retirement arrived before their worldly purchases were paid off, and they are unable to retire. But, if they are gainfully employed, they have hope and abilities to enjoy some similarity of an enjoyable retirement. (more…)

When a person grows old, the body eventually gets weaker, since it has been alive and functioning for the past, let’s say, seventy years. The body is strong enough to stand the test of time, at least for a hundred years or so. Of course, it depends on the person if he/ she maintains their health and body to last them through their golden years. But not all people endure being old. A lot of cases concerning health conditions are showing through old age. Since the body gets weaker, it is more prone to illnesses and diseases that may harm or hurt the person more, hence, they have become more vulnerable to such conditions.

A common type of arthritis that affects people over the age of 60, is osteoarthritis. Since symptoms of arthritis are mainly regarded as joint inflammation, or the feeling of pain or stiffness, this type of arthritis also has the same conditions, but is occurring mostly when of old age. Aches and swelling with weakened motion in the joints, particularly hands, hips, knees or spine are the common symptoms of arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), osteoarthritis is described as the deterioration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint; also bony overgrowth. Basically, this illness is breaking down a person’s cartilage. Since the cartilage is the tissue that is wrapped around the ends of the joint, having this joint disease will make the bones rub together, causing joint damage over time. (more…)