Poverty Hits Seniors Harder

For the first time in 51 years the poverty level in the United States has hit record numbers. Combine the unemployment rate with the difficult economic times and uncertainty, and we find a total of 43.6 million people lived in poverty last year, up from 39.8 million in 2008, according to the Census Bureau.

For years we have been hearing stories about senior citizens having to make a choice between buying the medication they need in their everyday lives or buying food. Today that choice continues to haunt them.

The National Academy of Science puts the poverty rate for senior citizens, those over 65, at twice the national level. The National Academy of Science differs in the formula used to arrive at the poverty figures. It is more realistic insofar as it takes into account medical expenses the federal method omits. One study done in New York City puts the number of those over 65 living below the poverty level at nearly one in three using a similar methodology.

 Cuts in social programs and slight decrease in charitable donations only adds fuel to the fire. Food banks across the country have seen an increase in the numbers of people turning to them for assistance. Drive past a Goodwill store or other "second-hand" store and the parking lot is much fuller than in the past.

According to ABC News, the average Social Security benefit check is $1,050. The Census Bureau defines the poverty level as one person who is making $10,830 a year and increases the level for a family of four to $22,050.

Simple math shows the reported average Social Security income for one person is only $1,770 dollars over the poverty level. This would account for many millions of people simply living on the edge, who don't have what they need to get by.

Last year the annual prosperity index, published by a highly respected London based research firm  listed our country as ninth in the world. In 2008 we were fourth, a drop of five places.

Is this the decline of America? Although the description of poverty affects everyone with a low income, people who have worked all their lives and believed in the American dream may be experiencing an American nightmare.

Once again, I don't know an answer to this growing problem except we all need to work together. We need to be united and not divided and rise above petty and sometimes selfish thinking to help each other. We need to be proactive with our elected officials and not complacent to let someone else do what needs to be done.

Look around you, do you know someone you can help? Not financially but maybe in a way that would save them a few dollars. Are they paying someone to change the oil in their vehicle? Would you do that for them and let them use that money for something else they need?

Just One Person's View on the possibilities of making a hard life a little easier. Get involved! Do something don't just read about it and say what damn shame it is.

Have a great weekend and help someone else do the same.