Aging In Place: How to Live Independently and Comfortably in Current Times

OurSeniors.net-Aging In Place: How to Live Independently and Comfortably in Current Times

As seniors and retirees get older, many prefer to remain in the homes and communities they are familiar with instead of relocating to a new location. People benefit mentally, emotionally, and physically from staying at places they are familiar with because it makes them feel safe, independent, and comfortable. According to a report by the NCSL, 90 percent of seniors and retirees want to stay in their homes. Positive quality of life, self-esteem and life satisfaction are all linked to a person’s happiness and health as it relates to a person’s living situation.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the 65+ population is expected to double from 40 to 80 million in the next 40 years. Additionally, the 85+ population is expected to triple from 6 to 20 million. Rising costs in rent, mortgages, property taxes, medical, and general cost of living expenses make it difficult for many seniors and retirees to age in place and stay in the homes and communities they are accustomed to.

Here are some ideas our team suggests for enhancing the lives of our senior living Florida folks this year so they can live independently and comfortably:

Create a Living Plan:

Planning can be difficult for many because people can’t be certain about their future needs. If a senior or retiree is living alone or needs to plan for somebody else, there may be additional challenges. The first thing you should do is create a road-map to prioritize what needs to be done. You should think about this in two stages: immediate needs and future needs. Identify home modification projects and get professional estimates for the work. It’s harder to hire a contractor once your health has been compromised.

Consider Challenges:

While your home is familiar to you in the present, it may be drastically different after you the adjustments needed for mobility and accessibility. For example, if you foresee needing a walker or a wheelchair to get around, some of the challenges you may face may relate to the size of doorways or the height of counters and cabinets. If you live in a multi-story home, you may need to add ramps or install a motorized chair to move between floors. You might also need to consider bathroom locations (first floor and second floor) as well as accessibility to a bath and shower.

Prioritize Your Health:

When you choose to age in place you need to consider your physical state and mental state. One of the reasons many seniors and retirees choose to live in their homes rather than move to locations where assisted livings and services are available. A senior lifestyle where a balanced diet, minimized stress and regular exercise should be prioritized. Aging in place should not mean that you sacrifice everyday activities or routines. Remaining active can help you avoid serious health conditions such as arthritis, dementia, depression, and heart disease. 

Plan Around Location:

Aging in place allows people to live independently, and one of the biggest concerns that should be discussed is transportation. Many seniors and retirees enjoy the freedom to move around town and get their chores done without the assistance of others. There are many services available to support senior living Florida such as ride-shares and health access vans to take people to and from medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other places. Where you plan to age in place should align with your current and anticipated lifestyle. 

Get Long-Term Insurance:

As seniors and retirees age, so do their medical needs. Most people over the age of 65 require long-term care to cover the cost of home care necessary to make life comfortable and safe for elderly people that choose to age in place. This involves adjusting furniture placements, cabinet structures, outdoor access, and more. Long-term insurance can be a great option because it can cover numerous expenses that are not typically covered by insurance or Medicare, which can mean a big difference for families to create environments suitable for senior living.

When we work together to keep the people living in Florida enjoying their senior lifestyle, we know we’ve made accomplishments and continue to contribute through our senior online and print magazine. The OurSeniors.Net team has been bringing informative and entertaining content to our subscribers since 2016. And starting in October 2016 we will be releasing an English and Spanish edition of our print magazine for seniors. We’re starting with our Southeast Edition serving the Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, and we hope to expand to other regions in the future. But we need your help. Visit our website to subscribe to our quarterly lifestyle magazine and be sure to follow us on our social media channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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