In some cases, owing to either physical or mental issues, elderly adults are forced to accept an often painful loss of independence.
As the end of life draws near, family members may be called on to make difficult decisions. This can be especially traumatic if their loved one hasn't previously made his or her wishes known.
Americans are living longer than they did in the past and managing to largely remain productive in the process. But there are certain challenges that do inevitably occur during the aging process.