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Tears of worry well in Dee Luce's eyes as she describes her husband, Al Luce, shoveling snow from high atop the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel.

Al, 59 and a prostate cancer survivor, overlooks the job's risks because of the pay. Income from his shoveling, and Dee's job as a custodian, barely keeps the couple afloat.

The Luces likely didn't imagine themselves in this situation 10 years ago, about when they sold their home in downtown Steamboat Springs with plans to construct a new home.

That dream slowly has evaporated.

Loan complications, Al's health problems and other issues put the couple in a financially precarious situation even before the economy took a dive.

Now, the Luces, burdened with an unfinished home and a mountain of credit card debt, are facing the likelihood of bankruptcy and/or foreclosure.

The situation has taken a tremendous toll on every aspect of their lives, including their marriage, friendships and ability to spend time with their family.

"No one understands what we have into this emotionally," Al said.

Tough times

Although there are many roads to financial hardship, there is no question that almost everyone, at some level, is feeling the stress of the sour economy.

This can be even more difficult for older adults who may be fearful of losing jobs or work hours, are watching retirement funds and investments disappear or are struggling to live on limited incomes.

Building resilience, by drawing on past experience, managing negative thinking and reaching out to others can help individuals - especially older adults - better tackle financial challenge and adapt to change.

"We're all going through this," said Diane McCrann, a psychotherapist and registered nurse. "Certain members will be hit harder than others, and we need to find ways to help each other."

McCrann, who has experience helping women and older adults, notes that many elders in financial trouble fear they will lose their independence if they rely on adult children, family or social services for help.

"As soon as they really get locked into that, then come feelings of helplessness and hopelessness," McCrann said. "That's when I see acute stress, depression and anxiety."

Some older adults may not be able to pay for utilities, food or clothing or are cutting back on medications and doctor visits at a time when they may be at higher risk for stress-induced pain, inflammation and high blood pressure.

Reaching out, within

Because of their belief system, elders in their 70s, 80s and 90s often are reluctant to admit their troubles.

If they can overcome that, however, they likely will find help from numerous sources, including family, community or government programs and churches, McCrann said.

Coming together as families, friends and communities - by checking up on neighbors, organizing group meals and planning exercise routines, for example - can provide much needed solace and support.

In addition to leaning heavily on her religious faith, Dee Luce has found comfort in regular visits with a close friend.

"She just listens to me, and she doesn't condemn me or judge me," Dee said. "She just lets me talk and cry."

Al Luce has found temporary relief from his stress while spending time with his granddaughter.

"She's been a joy," he said. "She's helped us through this. She just sees the simple things."

Families or professionals also can help older adults reassess their finances or budgets, a process that can often be confusing.

Dan Foley, a certified financial planner, points out that now, for the first time in 70 years, stocks, bonds and real estate markets all are faltering at the same time, and many more people are being affected by those downturns.

Rather than being paralyzed with fear or sinking into depression, individuals should realize that there are things they can do to prevent further losses.

"I can't say enough that sometimes the best thing to do is just to get a second opinion. : Working with a certified financial planner that has an ethical responsibility to work in the client's best interest is a good thing to do," Foley said.

On the emotional side, it's important for individuals experiencing acute stress, depression or anxiety to seek help from a physician, nurse, pastor, counselor or therapist, to learn new ways of coping.

"It's OK to have an occasional sleepless night," McCrann said. "It's OK to have a blue day or day that you're worried : but if that stretches out more than two weeks, then you're moving into depression."

A big part of managing stress and negative thoughts is taking action - eating healthy, exercising and reducing TV news exposure, for example - to feel more in control of life.

"We really have to watch what we let into our psyche," McCrann said. "I don't think we really know how bad it is, we just know it's tough. : We just have to take a deep breath and go forward and realize things will work out."

Finally, coping skills older adults developed from past hardships can be a powerful ally in overcoming financial challenge.

They also can share their experience to help younger generations put their hardships into perspective.

"We older adults need to recognize that it's affecting everyone," McCrann said. "We may have something to offer the younger generation in how we are dealing with this and the hope we can offer them."

- Tamera Manzanares can be reached at tammarie74@yahoo.com.