According to researchers, the situations could continue to deteriorate if the much talked about cuts are made to Social Security.

In as little as four years, the number of seniors in danger of outliving their available resources went up by as much as two million households. According to the Senior Financial Stability Index, financial uncertainty among seniors went up from 27% in 2004 to 36% in 2008. Such a dramatic and steady increase was in play prior to the onset of the current recession.

Affected By The Recession

Although the recession affects all demographic groups, the financial stability of seniors has gone down more than any other group. Not only is one out of three seniors financially insecure, but also forty percent of seniors are economically vulnerable. Therefore, somewhere around seventy-five percent of seniors have little or no buffer to protect against financial ruin if a traumatic life event or severe illness should strike.

Hardest hit are seniors of color or single women, fifty percent of which fall into the category of financial insecurity. Many are finding it difficult to pay for even the most rudimentary needs.

Research director for the Institute on Assets and Social Policy, as well as co-author of the recent report, Tatjana Meschede said, “It’s simply a crime that in our wealthy and vibrant nation 36 percent of seniors live in a state of uncertainty – unsure of whether they can afford basic necessities.”

She also said, “Instead of working to fix this crisis, the debate in Washington is dominated by those who argue that the only way to reduce the deficit is by dramatically altering Medicare and Social Security.”

photo credit: longislandwins

Reflect on the Health of Your Relationship

Take this opportunity to reflect on the current state of your relationship, as well as the fond memories you have of the first time you felt love for your significant other. The current state of your relationship may not be exactly what you had dreamed of — and that is perfectly healthy — but if it is causing sadness or depression it may be a good idea to speak with a mental health professional.

Speaking with a therapist could be both therapeutic for your own peace of mind, and it could also improve your relationship with your loved one long after retirement. Most senior health insurance providers offer coverage for mental health patients within their network.

Take advantage of the benefits that come from just letting all of your emotional stress out and sharing it with someone that can help steer you in the right direction. If your loved one wants to join in, the better-couples therapy can turn a potential separation into a renewed matrimony! Combining individual therapy with couples therapy, the flame will inevitably burn for eternity. The communication patterns that cause a relationship to spiral out of control can be reversed with the help of a trained professional.

What Could a Therapist Do to Improve the Health of My Relationship?

Sometimes a therapist that provides an ear and a shoulder to cry on is just not enough. In this case, medication may help get you back on track. If a mental health professional determines that medication will help resolve the current issues you are facing, check to see if your insurance provider covers the prescribed medication. If it does not cover it, you can find the generic brand and still receive the same benefits for a fraction of the cost.