SLIPPERY ROCK — Aging happens naturally, but it is filled with issues and complications.

Adelle Williams, coordinator of Slippery Rock University’s gerontology program, said it is important to know about these issues because everyone will encounter aging.

“There’s no way to avoid working with older adults,” Williams said.

Health is a major concern for seniors. However, just because someone is aging does not mean that they will be stricken with an illness.

“Disease is not synonymous with aging,” Williams said.

She said that things like exercise and good nutrition can go a long way to sound health for seniors.

“Prevention is key,” Williams said. “Your lifestyle accounts for a lot.”

In terms of nutrition, Williams said it does not need to change much for older adults.

“We need to follow the same rules,” Williams said.

However, she said that seniors need to take into account that their body systems are slowing down. She advised older adults increase the amount of calcium and vitamin D they take in, as well as drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin.

Exercise also is important.

“Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated. Exercise doesn’t have to be expensive,” Williams said.

If someone cannot walk, there are chair exercises that can be done. Stretching, swimming and even meditating also can help, Williams said.

And, if nothing else works, seniors can take a walk. Williams advised that seniors walk 30 to 60 minutes every day.

“Walking is key,” Williams said.

Alzheimer’s disease can be a concern for seniors, but Williams said that it is not as widespread as it may seem.

“As soon as someone starts to have any sort of cognitive difficulty, they tend to think that they have Alzheimer’s. That’s not always the case,” Williams said.

She said that it is not unusual for a person to have some short-term memory loss when they get older.

“That’s natural,” Williams said.

However, if a senior is concerned, Williams said they should be evaluated by a geriatrician.

Many seniors also face financial issues, including inadequate savings, inadequate investments, lack of employment and limited Social Security income.

“You need to look at where your money is going,” Williams said. “Decisions need to be made.”

When someone retires, they should spend less.

“Your money is going to be finite,” Williams said.

She said that people should begin thinking about retirement early, likely about age 40.

Older adults should begin a retirement fund and a savings account, she said. Money from those should not be used for anything else.

“Leave it alone,” Williams said.

Additionally, she said there is an attitude in society that questions the performance of seniors. That should change, she said.

She also said she would like to see more employers open to hiring older adults, who tend to be experienced, dedicated and loyal.

“It’s an untapped resource,” Williams said.

However, there comes a point when many seniors cannot really live independently.

Most older adults are comfortable in their own homes and place a lot of sentimental value in them, she said. However, some people get to a point where they can no longer care for themselves or they live in a house that is not conducive to aging, such as one with steep staircases or that needs repairs.

In these cases, seniors and their families should consider options such as assisted living or home care.

“It’s a very difficult decision,” Williams said.

Also difficult is the feeling of grief that comes when someone a senior cares about dies.

“If you live long enough, you are going to experience loss and grief, and it can be devastating,” Williams said.

She said it is important to recognize that when a senior loses a loved one, he or she is losing all of the roles and positions that person held, such as companion or breadwinner.

“Based on that, your life changes,” Williams said.

She said it is normal for a person to feel lost at such times and that it takes time for them to readjust. There are support groups available to help, she said.

Throughout aging, families have an important function.

“When someone is aging, the family first of all needs to be supportive to the individual,” Williams said.

She said that family members should not treat an aging person like a child.

“You’re basically diminishing their self-worth,” Williams said.

She said that families should stress to seniors that they are not a burden and should encourage interdependence.

Family members should encourage seniors to get their affairs in order.

Seniors should get an attorney to work on a will, a living will and a power of attorney.

“Family support is critical,” Williams said.