February 07, 2008
Many plan and look forward to the "Golden Age" of retirement.
But there can be unexpected costs and psychological effects related to retirement, according to Forsyth County Director of Senior Services Shelley Johnson.
One shock for new retirees can be the realities of living on a fixed income, Johnson said.
"This has an impact on a person's mind set even if they have a good amount saved," she said. "The income is not being replaced. People start being very frugal and don't invest in themselves anymore."
On the other hand, Johnson said some people spend too much as if the money will be replaced.
"We have seen some that have basically impoverished themselves in a few years," she said.
And then there's health care.
With the rising costs of medicine, Johnson said some seniors find the entire process confusing and extremely expensive.
"I continue to see people choosing between getting their prescriptions and getting food," she said. "That is very difficult to watch. We see people not getting the health care they need to avoid the high cost. But they are not going to the doctor until it is a crisis so the cost would have been much lower if it had been addressed earlier."
The Meals on Wheels program works to make sure seniors receive a good meal, Johnson said. "They know they can get a meal so they can get that prescription," she said.
There is also a darker side to retirement, Johnson said.
"We have seen a mother taken advantage of financially by her children," she said. "They have nurtured these children forever and don't ever expect they could be a danger."
Johnson said they have seen scams target seniors in Forsyth County.
"We once saw someone lose $30,000 in a scam and they can never get that money back," she said.
Johnson said the nonprofit group Seniors and Lawmen Togther (SALT) works to help seniors avoid getting scamed.
In addition to the financial difficulties faced by seniors, they also face many psychological challenges.
Retiring after working for a lifetime can affect one's sense of purpose, Johnson said.
"Their personal value is associated with the work they do," she said. "Part of what we try to do is provide a sense of socialization and belonging."
Forsyth County Senior Services provide transportation for seniors to and from the senior centers.
"This enables them to go to the grocery store and doctor's office," she said. "Losing the ability to drive can impact people in a lot of little ways."
Johnson said most Forsyth seniors are divided into one group of people that have lived in the county many years and others that have retired to the county.
"For those that move here, it can take time to make the cultural adjustment of moving here," she said. "They have to develop an entirely new social network."
Many new retirees believe they can function at the same social level after they retire, Johnson said.
"They have to deal with the loss of other family and friends," she said. "They are continually required to renew their social network."
Johnson said seniors are the fastest growing segment of Forsyth County's population. The Senior Center offers numerous additional services including the Alzheimer Respite Program, Wellness Program and many more. Visit www.forsythco.com for more information.
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