No one wants to spend their golden years struggling with credit card debt, but Call 4 Action reporter Susan Koeppen says that's exactly what's happening.

Retiring in the red is a growing problem for seniors. It is the fastest-growing age group headed into bankruptcy court.

Lois Hoffman, 70, is facing close to $17,000 in debt because of six credit cards.

"The senior citizens seem to be getting credit cards that they shouldn't even touch," she said.

Nearly one-third of senior citizens in the United States are in credit card debt. The average debt is $4,000. According to a recent study, the number of seniors filing for bankruptcy has doubled over the past 10 years.

Catherine Dearolf, 69, has filed for bankruptcy once. She feels like she needs to file again.

"The fact of the matter is, everything is so high that people can't really afford to exist," she said.

Retirees are now the fastest-growing segment of bankrupted Americans. Places like the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Western Pennsylvania are seeing more seniors seeking help.

"It's very easy for them, if they don't have the cash, to put it on a credit card, especially with prescription drug costs," said Caryn Bilotta, of the CCCS.

Plastic is helping seniors get the necessities -- drugs, food, gas.

"Then you're in over your head, because you're spending money you don't have coming in," Bilotta said.

"It's very hard," Dearolf said. "You sometimes have to let one (bill) go to pay another."

The trend is being driven by longer life expectancies, soaring medical costs, a bear market and a credit card industry that is willing to lend to just about anyone.

There are things seniors can do to dig themselves out of debt.

Smartmoney.com suggests considering a reverse mortgage. You must be 62 or older and your mortgage has to be paid off. The upside is that your home equity is converted into cash. You don't have to pay it back. The downside is that you can't leave your house to your kids. It will go to the bank.

Click here to use ThePittsburghChannel.com's morttage calculator.

Many seniors say they are scared by their debt. They are also embarrassed and sometimes afraid to ask for help. Seniors in debt are also easily duped and can fall for scams that claim to offer help.