Senior citizens, facing ever-growing economic fears and rising costs, are more vulnerable than ever to rising fuel costs and utility bills, said Council on Aging St. Tammany Director Mary Toti.

In the current economic crunch, seniors who might consider downsizing from present living conditions will have a tough time, said Toti.

“More people are looking for smaller houses, which is driving the cost of these houses up. There is nothing for seniors to move into, even if they want to downsize,” she said. “We already have a lack of affordable housing in St. Tammany.” Toti said the current financial situation is tough enough on individuals who are working. For retired seniors, it’s another layer of pain. In addition, many are trying to figure out how they can help senior citizens, particularly older relatives.

Many agencies that deal with seniors or the elderly are concerned about the cost-cutting measures seniors may resort to if their incomes are cut.

Some seniors are already facing tough decisions regarding their medications and food, because Social Security has not kept pace with costs.

“Cuts of essential items, such as food and medication, should be of immediate concern to seniors’ families,” said Len Snyder, owner of Home Instead Senior Care.

He also said that higher fuels costs can result in more isolation for seniors, particularly when their children are struggling to make ends meet themselves.

Snyder said maintaining their social life , medications and food are essential to seniors’ well-being.

“It’s important that someone look out for their well-being to ensure they are safe in their homes and continue eating properly,” he said.

Snyder’s company, Home Instead Senior Care, and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging offers the following tips to determine how the economy may be affecting a senior or elderly relative’s life:

• Is the house hot in the summer or cold in the winter?

• Is the lawn or garden unmowed or unkempt?

• Are they able to get needed medications?

• Is there ample food in the house?

• Are they keeping their doctor’s appointments as scheduled?

• Are they staying at home more, not socializing as much?

• Are they cutting out entertainment?

• Are they eating out less?

• Have they cancelled outings, vacations, excursions?

Any of the above could signal worry and concern about finances and could become dangerous for seniors.

Snyder said, “Even seemingly innocent decisions, like cutting back a little on groceries or air conditioning or heat, can have damaging impacts.”

In addition, he recommends the following advice to seniors and their families to stretch their dollars:

• Always seek the advice of an objective financial planner.

• Get a second opinion on investments.

• Contact the Council on Aging if you’re having trouble paying for food and gas.

• Get back to gardening for exercise and food. The return can be as high as 1 to 10.

• Avoid convenience foods, which can be expensive.

• Look at generic medications.

• Walk when you can; organize a walking club for socialization and exercise.

• Carpool when you can’t walk to save on gas cost.

• Close off parts of the house when they aren’t used. Keep drapes closed and doors closed to keep from losing heat or air conditioning.

• Avoid scams; if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.