Help our senior citizens struggling with poverty

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 13% of Garland County citizens over the age of 65 live below the poverty level. The national average of elderly living below the poverty level is 10%. This places Garland County significantly above the national average.

U.S. News reports research showing many seniors have spent their nest egg and their only remaining source of income is likely to be Social Security. Social Security payments are based on income during their 35 highest-earning years in the workforce. Those who didn’t work for 35 years get smaller payments because zeros are included in the average. Both elderly men and women who are single have significantly higher poverty rates than married couples. When one spouse dies, the total Social Security benefit received by the household often decreases.

Older Garland Countians may not have the opportunity to pull themselves out of poverty because of fewer employment opportunities and also health can limit their prospects. It is sad that our elders are faced with living in these circumstances.

This generation has been labeled “The Greatest Generation” because they lived through the Depression and World War II and were part of the great economic boom this country experienced in the postwar era. Now many are forced to constantly worry about keeping a roof over their head or food on their table. Some are faced with the choice of buying medicine or food. This is an impossible choice and a miserable position to be placed in. Life and death decisions should not be an either-or question.

Another thing that makes the struggles of our seniors more difficult is many of them will not ask for help. They were raised to take care of themselves and to rely on no one else for assistance. Self-reliance is an admirable trait but in this situation, it can also become a curse.

I encourage everyone, if the opportunity presents itself, to help a senior citizen who is struggling with poverty. If that is simply buying a few groceries for an elderly neighbor or mowing their lawn or offering them a ride, we can all do something. These small acts of kindness can mean a lot to someone in their circumstance.

It is a shame that folks that have contributed so much to our society have to fight these battles. We owe it to them to do all we can. We could all very easily be in their shoes someday and we certainly would appreciate someone helping us.