Having to Choose

Denise, 69, and her husband, 74, both suffer from progressive medical conditions. Her Multiple Sclerosis is not yet affecting her quality of life, but her husband suffered a recent stroke and seizure, has constant pain from old injuries and has a yet-to-be diagnosed cognitive condition that affects his memory. Their retirement benefits are already stretched to the end, and she worries how they will afford both current and future medical costs.

From We're Still Here: Stories of Seniors and Social Isolation

We were high school sweethearts. We said goodbye when he left to serve in Vietnam, but we never forgot each other. We reconnected in 1994 and married in 2002.

From We're Still Here: Stories of Seniors and Social Isolation

Constant pain keeps him in his room most of the day. I know it’s not his fault, but I feel so closed off from him.

From We're Still Here: Stories of Seniors and Social Isolation

I go to coffee with my friends twice a week but I never order anything. They probably talk about me when I leave.

From We're Still Here: Stories of Seniors and Social Isolation

My husband’s car has always been his hobby and his freedom but he lost both. A seizure took away his driver’s license, and the bills took away his funds to tinker. The other day I found him just sitting in it with the engine running.

From We're Still Here: Stories of Seniors and Social Isolation

I know if I sold my home we would be alright, but I grew up in this house. I was born just blocks from here at the old Dominican Hospital on Branciforte. My parents left it to me, and I need to leave it to my children.

From We're Still Here: Stories of Seniors and Social Isolation

I go to the beach because it brings calmness - and it’s free; but I worry so much about the future and how we will pay these bills. I’m usually a pretty happy person but it’s getting harder to picture a happy ending.

From We're Still Here: Stories of Seniors and Social Isolation