I wish to re-emphasize a matter of significance that needs our collective attention. Statisticians vary in their estimate of aged population numbers.

Thankfully, with the advancement of science and medicine, folks are living well beyond past generations. Surviving well beyond the 60s and 70s has become a more common occurrence. Improved diets and exercise have benefits. Viewing an elderly man and woman walking, running and participating in new and different exercises is seen each day.

While many folks are living a relatively healthy and productive life filled with sources of contentment, there are those who silently experience medical problems. Many still seek medical assistance just to get about each day. Some live with spouses and/or companions. Some live with family, assisted living and other such communities. Additionally, untold numbers live alone.

Some live on a healthy, well-planned retirement with a supplemental Social Security check. Others live on a rigid fixed income. Financial means, or a lack of, certainly can determine one’s health and well-being. Health insurance, especially Medicare, is a mainstay for many. Some have a supplementary insurance to cover expenses that might otherwise be unaffordable.

AARP is a powerful lobby in Washington, D.C., that advocates for aged folks. Their magazine offers some direction and guidance for the many questions we need answered. The county Office for the Aging offers local assistance that is especially beneficial. As the aged population grows older, new discoveries of rarely seen illnesses might crop up. The medical community is challenged to assess and determine what new illness is affecting an aged person’s life.

Getting answers can, too, contribute to longer life spans. Many take an assortment of prescribed medications for what ails. Some take vitamins and healthy supplements that, too, benefit one’s health and well-being. One area that gets less media coverage and only recently has been studied is the mental health of the aged population.

Some who recognize the chronic or situational matter may be referred to a provided by their primary care physician. Depending on their health insurance, an individual must seek a Medicare provider or pay out of pocket. The latter may be relevant for much of the aged population on a fixed income.

Do I use my insurance? Can I find a provider who can listen to my problems? Again, the forgotten, those who reside alone, live in care facilities may not draw the attention to themselves relative to mental health matters. Care providers in homes or assisted living centers must ask for training and more training to recognize mental-emotional health problems. Being patient and listening can start a path toward healing. We, too, as mental health practitioners require training to treat the aged population as themselves, not like the younger generation.

Let there be peace on earth … and let it begin with me.

Marshall Greenstein, a Cassadaga resident, holds a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and is a licensed marriage and family counselor and a licensed mental health counselor in New York state. He has regular office hours at Hutton and Greenstein Counseling Services, 501 E. Third St., Suite 2B, Jamestown, 484-7756. For more information or to suggest topics, email editorial@observertoday.com