Why You Will Love Aging in Place

When do you recall 90% of Americans agreeing on something? It probably was a very long time ago, if ever. Yet, 90% of seniors agree that they want to age in place.

This statistic means that more people like aging in place more than they like kittens (67% approval rating). Aging in place is more popular than JFK, who had a respectable 70% approval rating. Even America’s quintessential dessert, apple pie, is less popular than aging in place. Apple pie only has 81% of America’s approval.

Now, why did 90% of those over 65 fall in love with the concept of aging in place? This blog post will show you why and how to make aging in place a reality. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines aging in place as safely living in one’s own home, regardless of age.

Alert1 defines aging in place as maintaining your independence while living in your own home.

Be it living safely or independently, there are plenty of reasons why seniors want to age in place.

• Aging in place allows seniors to stay in their homes. After all, they have lived there for the past 30 years. It means that they can stay close to their families and communities.

Take Dave, for instance. Dave is an intrepid skier who loves working with the local Boy Scout troops. He was Scoutmaster for 15 years. 

One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming an Eagle Scout at the tender age of 17. Although Dave has trouble walking, he still teaches scouts the fine art of citizenship. Dave is 68 years old and is having a great time aging in place.  

Dave can’t imagine life away from his home. Many seniors feel the same way. 

• Seniors have strong emotional attachments toward their homes and communities. They have accumulated multitudes of memories in their homes. Nobody, especially seniors, wants to leave their nest.

• Aging in place provides seniors strong social benefits. Staying in the community they love lets seniors better maintain social relationships. In a survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 41% of seniors who hope to age in place want to for social reasons. They want to stay close to their friends, family, and neighbors. 

This stronger social glue has tremendous health benefits. Senior civic engagement and volunteering has been linked to lower mortality rates. Seniors who age in place are more active and have greater muscular strength.

• Aging in place is significantly cheaper than assisted living facilities. These facilities and nursing homes are extremely costly. Seniors aging in place spend less on healthcare because they live healthier lifestyles and use less institutional care.

Now, let’s look at home modifications that make it easier to age in place.

To age in place, focus on making your home senior-friendly.

Senior life is markedly different than life as a young adult. The balance you once took for granted is now a pressing issue. Your fantastic agility may not be so great anymore. Falls are a big concern. In fact, one in three seniors fall every year. Your loved ones now worry about your health and safety.

Here are some ways to bring some peace of mind to the whole family:

• Use a medical alert system. Although medical alert devices won’t make you any younger, they can appease your family. Since help is only a button click away, both you and your family will feel peace of mind. You can also get fall detection with your medical alert device. That way, if you fall, help will automatically be on the way. Our mobile medical alert device sends you aid, no matter your location. Your medical alert device will know where you are, even if you don’t, thanks to GPS technology.

• Remove rugs and keep your floors clear. Even the smallest dog toy
  
  could become a tripping hazard. Any transitions between floor types, even rugs, will also become prime areas for falls. Prevent falls by getting rid of these hazards in the first place.

• Add handrails in the restroom. Senior falls occur the most in the restroom. The handrail will give you both stability and extra strength. Handrails are especially useful in the shower and near the toilet.

• Replace your tub with a walk-in shower. Stepping into and out of a slippery tub becomes a threatening hazard. Luxury walk-in showers will even include a sitting area. If you don’t like taking showers, replace your tub with a walk-in version. It’s the same comfort with less risk.

• Relocate your bedroom to the first floor. Moving your master bedroom to the first floor will do you wonders. When you get sleepy, you can simply hop into bed. This way you don’t have to risk tripping on stairs when you’re half-awake.

• Improve your lighting. Lights are another addition that will make your home senior-friendly. Along with making sure rooms are well lit, replace regular switches with rocker ones to help with arthritis. Add auto-motion light sensors to prevent falls at night.

• Upgrade the yard. Along with the house, make sure your yard is senior-friendly. Add extra outside
  
  walkway lights to prevent falls. You could install a ramp if you have stairs leading up to your home. Make sure your frequently used tools are within easy reach.

Aging in place is ultimately the cheapest and most satisfying way to live your golden years. In addition to modifying your home, a medical alert device will help you safely enjoy your independence. Plus, it’ll give you and your family peace of mind. 

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