It’s not easy getting older in America. I am really not looking forward to it. Currently, I am in a period of my life where I am no longer young enough to naively believe that I will be young forever. I am entering middle age. And, worrying profusely about saving enough money so that I can exist comfortably when I am elderly.
The life transition process of entering elderly age is often called the “golden years.” I think they should be called the” worrying years.” American senior citizens are steadily becoming one of the largest growing segments of the American workforce. That isn’t by accident. Retirees have to make at least $44,000 a year to meet basic standard of living costs.
Senior citizens are steadily becoming mired in poverty and retiring later in life just to work longer. Currently, over 25% of the American workforce is over the age of 55. Up to 42% of people over the age of 65 may live under the poverty line. Half of all senior citizens who receive Medicare benefits make less than $26,000 a year.
The glamorization of the retirement years that we see in popular culture entertainment bears no resemblance to the reality. For most Americans entering their so-called golden years, life gets more difficult. Not easier. In fact, a worrying number of Americans are entering their golden years weighed down by student loan debt.
Senior Citizens and Student Loan Debt
Student loan debt is not just a Millennial complaint. In over 75% of American states, more than 50% of people who possess student loan debt are age 60 and over. Senior citizens account for over $67 billion of all current student loan debt. The average senior citizen student loan debt load was about $23,500.
More and more Americans are carrying significant amounts of student loan debt with them into elderly age. In 2005, only about 700,000 senior citizens carried significant student loan debt. By 2017, that number has increased to over 3.4 million senior citizens. That equates to a 385% increase in over a decade.
What’s amazing about this situation is that in most cases, the student loan debt is not directly related to the senior citizen. Only a small percent of senior citizen student loan debt is related to their personal college years. Most senior citizens assume student loan debt on behalf of their children and grandchildren. Or, they co-signed a loan and ended up with the full debt. Lately new programs have been created like parent plus loans to help manage and reduce the debt from co-signing.
There can be serious consequences for senior citizens with such debt. In 2016, over 114,000 senior citizens had their social security benefits seized over their delinquent student loan debts. Some have their fixed incomes garnished as well.
Consider Your Future
The average income for working senior citizens between the ages of 65 to 75 is about $18,000. Life is hard enough during the retirement years. There is no need to make them harder. If you co-sign a loan, which is usually never a good idea, make sure that the person you help can pay it back. Research cheaper colleges or universities for your child or grandchild to attend. Try to find scholarships.
Sometimes in life, you have to look out for yourself and your future. Especially at a time in life when you might be on a fixed income. There is nothing wrong with being financially generous with the people you love. Just ask yourself: who will be financially generous to you during your golden years if you need help?
Read More
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- 5 Things to Consider When Taking a Personal Loan for Debt Consolidation
- Debt Advice: How to Avoid Digging a Debt Hole
Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.