Editorial: Older veterans need more support
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Like Pennsylvania’s population overall, the veteran population is aging. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 37.1% of veterans are senior citizens. The largest group at 41.2% is those aged 45 to 64, meaning those approaching or planning for retirement. Only 21% are under age 45.
That means more attention must be paid to the needs of older veterans. In particular, we must acknowledge the way those needs differ from the needs of older people who haven’t spent time in war zones, been injured by their service or deal with illnesses caused or complicated by their time in uniform.
Some of those needs include chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiac disease. Some will be supportive care for disabilities. There will definitely be mental health needs. There will be more specific geriatric concerns, including dementia.
But there can’t be a neglect of the sense of community that combats loneliness either. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory this year on loneliness and isolation as dangers for physical and mental health. Older adults are particularly at risk for conditions that can be complicated by loneliness, including depression, high blood pressure and cognitive issues, according to the National Institute on Aging.
The VA has done research on how loneliness affects veterans, particularly regarding depression. Social connections are the best antidote.
That makes the Pittsburgh VA’s adult day care health care program an idea worth expanding. The program operates at VFW posts in Mars and Lower Burrell and the American Legion in Carnegie. Additional host sites are being sought in Monroeville, White Oak and the South Hills.
Similar programs may be offered at VA hospitals, but the programs provided through the host locations are more focused on socialization. There is food. There are games and activities. It’s like a county-run senior center.
The critical difference is that veterans have different lived experiences and may understand things other people without a service background can’t. It’s also a good touchstone for veterans needs.
“We want to use this partnership to grow the base of veterans who are receiving VA care,” said Steven Handler, associate chief of staff for the VA Pittsburgh’s geriatrics division. “Because we can then also let them know about other benefits they qualify for. There are a lot of services that veterans have earned, and how can we serve as the gateway for that?”
Veterans, especially our oldest veterans, deserve the best care and support. Programs like this are a good way to reach them.