KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Mary Emery is 86 and has been forced to live life by herself for the past two years.

"The biggest challenges are being independent because you're alone and I don't get to go out like I did when my husband was with me. I don't go out and eat by myself. I go with my neighbor. It's hard."

Mary, like so many seniors attending today's conference, has seen the world change. For the better and the worse.

"When I grew up we didn't even lock our doors, but now we get broken into even if we have our doors locked," said Mary.

"We have a lot of new medicine available that we didn't have at one time and new solutions to problems. That's all good," 83 year old Cindy Cummins, said.

Among the aging issues for these seniors is health care. Something they say becomes more important as they get older. And the ongoing health care debate is a popular topic.

"As far as I'm concerned I like it the way it is and I'm afraid change might not be good for me," said 77 year old Carl Allen.

"I'd like to see them make changes, but not the way it's going," Mary, said.

Friends and faith are two things these seniors say they can't get by without. And prayer is an essential part of their lives. But what do they ask for when they pray?

"I ask for the needs of my family and their spiritual needs," said Cindy.

Mark said "I'm thankful to the Lord for all He's given me. He gave me a very good life. I just have a lot to be thankful for rather then, I don't want to ask for more."

"Forgiveness mostly. Cause I've been a bad boy from time to time," Carl, said