Is 55 Too Young For Elder Care Support?

Is 55 years of age too young for elder care support and care management? There is a lot of hesitation in people, especially in the United States, to consider themselves an older person. Part of this is very understandable as our country places a lot of value on being young and being independent. There is a lot of ageism and ableism in our country as elders and disabled people face discrimination in healthcare, employment, relationships, and more. A lot of people want to cling to youth and be independent.

One reason that I say that I help people age 55+ is because you can be disabled at any point in your life. I am 34 and living with disabilities. You can be born with disabilities. Some people are diagnosed with young onset dementia. As a gerontologist (aging expert), the 55+ community is a community that I support with aging and caregiving guidance. Also, caregivers of the 55+ community deserve support so that we can reduce the crisis moments and the trial and error game.

Another reason that I say that I help people age 55+ is because a lot of aging services start supporting people at 55 years of age. For example, PACE programs (Program For All Inclusive Care For The Elderly) help people who need a nursing home level of care to stay in their home and they start helping people at 55 years of age. With many aging service programs starting their support at this age, there are resources that I can guide people with as it pertains to the 55+ community. This is important to say because a lot of people reach out to me when they are confused about where to seek aging and caregiving support and how to understand their options. I know the options that exist and start at 55+.

A Gerontologist (aging expert) has a very holistic understanding of how the body ages, how the mind ages, and how we age in the community around us. While we really start aging at the moment of conception, I emphasize that I support the 55+ community and caregivers who support them because this is a time when the aging experience becomes something different. As I mentioned, a lot of people in this community can find themselves being discriminated against with employment, healthcare, and more. I try to advocate for people who are experiencing this so that they have a better quality of life.

So yes, even as it’s understandable for a lot of people to deny getting older and to deny being disabled, 55 years of age is not too young to need support with aging. You may not be seeing the best primary care provider because you could truly benefit from seeing a Geriatrician instead. Your mental health might benefit more with the support of a Geropsychologist. These are just some examples of how you can embrace being 55+ and accept the support that is available.

If you need guidance with caring for your older loved one or thriving as an elder yourself, call AgeWell Advocacy at 803.486.5322.