5 Tips For Aging In Place
As our health improves, so too does lifespan. Whether it's increased home prices, family ties, or familiarity, there are plenty of benefits to staying put.
With seniors among the largest growing demographics in our society, aging in place is rapidly becoming a more popular trend. What is aging in place? It's the concept that instead of moving into smaller or assisted living arrangements, family members remain in the homes and locations they're used to. Technology has made leaps and bounds in connecting us and delivering more to our doorstep, and it's why many who adopt this strategy are doing just fine.
With this fact in mind, here are 5 tips to make aging in place a more lucrative and comfortable venture.
1. Home Safety Check
Start by making your home as risk-free as possible. Look for trip hazards, install handrails, raised electrical outlets, or add some lighting to dark areas to brighten things up. The idea of modifying a home and making it more senior-friendly can often be more cost effective than buying a new place but depends much on living styles and personal preferences. The greater idea here is adapting your home to fit your needs, and not the other way around.
2. Transportation
Cars are still an ever-important part of modern living, and many seniors want to remain behind the wheel for as long as they can. Mobility requires reliable transportation, so assess whether or not current vehicles are up to the task of turnkey reliability. If driving is no longer an option, not all hope is lost. Arrange visits or deliveries among family and friends, and assess public transportation or ridesharing options.
3. Supportive Social Networks that Avoid Isolation
Just because you're spending more time at home doesn't mean you have to be a hermit. Humans are social creatures, it's why solitary confinement is one of the worst punishments we've ever devised upon ourselves. It can get easy to be left behind when living alone, so make sure avenues of communication are always in place, whatever channel that may be. Schedule visits, tour museums, connect with peer groups, take up another hobby, or just keep it simple and go for a walk. The point is to make sure age in place doesn't become atrophy in place. Communication is crucial, and so is asking for help if you're lonely.
4. Stay Adaptable
One challenge aging presents is the ever-present fact that we never truly know what’s around the next corner. It could be another 20 years on this rock or it could be cancer. Make the most of the present by understanding that aging in place is an ongoing process that changes with us. This might be particularly tough for individuals who prefer the routine, but flexibility ultimately equals freedom.
5. Create Some Peace Of Mind
With these tips in mind, it's clear a Life Protect 24/7 medical alert pendant is the perfect accessory for any aging in place intentions. Our trained operators can notify family or law enforcement with the press of a button, offering peace of mind while you focus on the finer details of living at home.
Contact America's fastest growing medical alert company today