January 2005 will find many low-income senior citizens feeling very let down.

After working all their lives, they find no respect from local officials and the state government in leading a worry-free existence because of higher property taxes and medical fees. Many cannot afford any insurance. Meanwhile, Medicare premiums, prescriptions and property taxes all cost more. This is causing hardships for many in the senior population.

Those who could make life easier for the elderly refuse to do so. They still demand higher wage increases and favor spending sprees.

Will the state government at least give the older low-income property owners a break on their property taxes? As of now, I do not see it coming down the road.

So where is the respect for the elderly, low-income property owners? It looks like we are being thrown out like a pair of worn-out shoes.

Hazel Hodgkins, Roxbury