by S.M. Wagenaar
California, the land of golden dreams, is becoming a financial struggle for many of its senior citizens. At 64, I find myself caught in a harsh reality – the “golden years” feel more like a desperate struggle for survival.
Like many others, I’m living on a fixed income, and with each passing day, the gulf between those who have enough and those who don’t widens. We, the “have-nots,” are drowning in the relentless tide of rising costs, while our nest eggs, if we ever had them, dwindle away.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. We worked hard, contributed to society, and looked forward to a time when we could finally relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor. But here in California, the cost of simply existing has become an insurmountable burden. Rent, groceries, healthcare – the prices keep climbing, leaving us with impossible choices. Do I buy food or medicine? Do I pay the electricity bill or risk getting evicted?
Word is that some are even skipping meals to keep a roof over their heads. Others are forced to choose between life-saving medications and putting gas in their cars. These aren’t just statistics; they are the heartbreaking realities faced by seniors every single day.