A Senior's Survival
Donation protected
I am the face of aging today. My name is Becky Rhodes. I am 67 and find myself worrying each day about how I am going to survive. I have about $200 in my bank account. I am living on Social Security...and I have been helping another family member.
My mother had Alzheimer's for 25 years. My dad used up much of his retirement savings for her care. (Alzheimer's was not considered a mental health issue and wasn't covered.) Any money we expected to have as inheritance was gone.
Health wise I am dealing with heart and glaucoma/macular degeneration, but doing okay for the most part. The stress of all of this is what I am faced with. I am willing and able to work. I have worked all my life. I don’t live extravagantly, but I didn't plan well for the future. And now I am facing uncertainty. I have spent the last 8 years working for non-profit adult education agencies and many years before that in creative pursuits. I recently got a temp job working for the upcoming election, but that will only be a short term band-aid.
I am college educated, have paid taxes and live pretty simply. I rent a one-bedroom apartment and bought a used car last fall. What with insurance, car payment, gas, utilities, phone, internet, food and medicine, I don't have enough to cover it all. I like working, but as we age, there are fewer opportunities for well-paying jobs, full or part-time.
I have some beautiful things that I collected over the years like quilts, teapots, vintage hats and some pottery to name a few. I would willingly liquidate, but I am so overwhelmed by this situation that I am stuck. I can't move on to the next thing.
I need help. I do not want to be a burden on anyone. I do not have children or family. I have spent the last 20 years helping my parents with health and other aging challenges.
I would be eternally grateful for some support. I want to contribute, but it is hard to do when you feel stretched like this. I worry about myself and my sister. It is keeping me up at night. I have never been in this situation before.
I could use money right now to pay expenses, buy medicine and prepare for the unexpected. At this point, I want to enjoy my life, share my talents and do something for others.
This is my story, but I am not alone. How many people are out there needing support in some way and not having it...whether it is financial or personal? As seniors, we become more isolated and too proud to ask for help.
Something has to change. I am telling this because I need help, but also to increase awareness. We need to really see what is happening around us and help each other. We are all in this together.
Thank you for your consideration.
My mother had Alzheimer's for 25 years. My dad used up much of his retirement savings for her care. (Alzheimer's was not considered a mental health issue and wasn't covered.) Any money we expected to have as inheritance was gone.
Health wise I am dealing with heart and glaucoma/macular degeneration, but doing okay for the most part. The stress of all of this is what I am faced with. I am willing and able to work. I have worked all my life. I don’t live extravagantly, but I didn't plan well for the future. And now I am facing uncertainty. I have spent the last 8 years working for non-profit adult education agencies and many years before that in creative pursuits. I recently got a temp job working for the upcoming election, but that will only be a short term band-aid.
I am college educated, have paid taxes and live pretty simply. I rent a one-bedroom apartment and bought a used car last fall. What with insurance, car payment, gas, utilities, phone, internet, food and medicine, I don't have enough to cover it all. I like working, but as we age, there are fewer opportunities for well-paying jobs, full or part-time.
I have some beautiful things that I collected over the years like quilts, teapots, vintage hats and some pottery to name a few. I would willingly liquidate, but I am so overwhelmed by this situation that I am stuck. I can't move on to the next thing.
I need help. I do not want to be a burden on anyone. I do not have children or family. I have spent the last 20 years helping my parents with health and other aging challenges.
I would be eternally grateful for some support. I want to contribute, but it is hard to do when you feel stretched like this. I worry about myself and my sister. It is keeping me up at night. I have never been in this situation before.
I could use money right now to pay expenses, buy medicine and prepare for the unexpected. At this point, I want to enjoy my life, share my talents and do something for others.
This is my story, but I am not alone. How many people are out there needing support in some way and not having it...whether it is financial or personal? As seniors, we become more isolated and too proud to ask for help.
Something has to change. I am telling this because I need help, but also to increase awareness. We need to really see what is happening around us and help each other. We are all in this together.
Thank you for your consideration.
Organizer
Becky Rhodes
Organizer
Austin, TX
