Aging in Arkansas

For several reasons, many older alcoholics are never diagnosed and offered treatment for their dependency.

She may be the grandmother next door or your own relative. How often do we think of those 70 or 80, as having a problem with substance abuse? The rate of older adults abusing alcohol is expected to more than double by 2020.

Alcohol is often the drug of choice for older adults, as we get older, our bodies take longer to process alcohol and drugs. What we could handle at 30 is not as easily handled at 70. Mixing alcohol and medications may only make things worse. Older adults are likely to be more isolated from others, hiding what may be a substance abuse problem.

When you realize you are forgetting or misspelling a word, you may start to worry. Dementia is often confused with normal mistakes or depression and is not a part of normal aging.

Those who are depressed may have trouble concentrating, may be very negative, and overstate their problems. They may have memory lapses yet know who and where they are, and what they’re doing. Those who are depressed know what things are called and how to talk about them.

By the end of 2015 baby boomers will reach ages 51 to 69. It is expected that their higher than average rate of suicides will continue as they age.

Suicide among older adults is not often addressed. There is a stigma -- many of us have trouble thinking that older relatives or neighbors have had such thoughts.

While adults, 65 and over, are 13% of Americans, they are over 18% of all suicides. Untreated depression is the most common cause for older adult suicide. Older men are more likely to successfully carry out suicides. In Arkansas, firearms are most often used.

Contrary to many birthday card messages, depression is not a normal part of getting older-- but older adults are at an increased risk. When someone is depressed they have felt sad or anxious for some time and have had difficulty getting past such feelings in everyday life. Older adults are much more likely to have chronic health problems.

The Medicare entitlement program began in 1965 after Congress passed legislation for this social insurance program. Medicare is earmarked for those aged 65 and over who have paid into Medicare and are American citizens living in the United States. Medicare was later expanded to include those with disabilities and certain diseases.

Medicare has 4 parts:

To all baby boomers turning 65: Happy Birthday! Now is the time to sign up for Medicare, the social insurance program for those aged 65 and over who have paid into Medicare and are American citizens living in the United States.

You must apply for Medicare during the 7-month period that begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.

Older baby boomers may access Social Security as soon as age 62 when they can receive partial Social Security, 75% of what they would get if they waited until full Social Security – accessed at ages 65 to 67, depending on birth year. Older baby boomers are encouraged to continue working to their full Social Security entitlement age if they want higher Social Security benefits.