A couple of recent studies found that 90% of older adults say they want to ‘Age in Place’ - Aging in Place describes older adults living independently in their existing homes or communities for as long as they possibly can, preserving connections to the past, feelings of independence and self-esteem.
How wonderful to be able to do this! For many however, it is just not possible due to finances, disability or lack of good health and well-being. The study finds that 11,000 people per DAY are turning 65 years of age! In less than 20 years, one in five Americans—almost 80 million people—will be older than 65 and, surveys indicate, they will want to remain in the current homes for as long as possible.*
By the year 2035 roughly 17 million older households will include someone with a
Mobility Disability. ** Once we start losing the ability to do our daily activities( i.e. bathing, going up and down the stairs, taking on or off our clothes, putting the groceries away, picking up something that has fallen onto the floor) we lose our independence. Which means our ability to age in place diminishes.
Is there a way to Age Better? And in return possibly age in place longer or till end of life? Possibly by looking through the lens of better wellness – having the energy and strength to do what we want when we want!
Tips to help one Age in Place
Move More and Better, Now!
• On average, Americans sit 11 hours/day.
• 300,000 deaths occur annually due to inactivity and poor dietary habits in the
United States alone.
• 20% of all deaths of people 35 and older are attributed to a lack of physical
activity.
• 65% of Americans watch 2 or more hours of TV every day.
• Only 6.5% of Americans meet the minimal physical guideline requirements for
work.
• Sedentary lifestyles are responsible for an estimated $24 billion in direct medical
spending.
These stats are daunting, however the best way to age better, lower risks of falls, disease, loss of independence, reduce cognitive decline is through regular daily
EXERCISE/MOVEMENT!
A research study by the Centers for Disease Control, found that individuals who didn’t
exercise spent $5,813 per year on healthcare costs, while those who exercised between
0 and 150 minutes per week spent $5,076 per year. Those who exercised more than
150 minutes per week
only spent $4,500 annually. Overall, the study demonstrated that
sedentary adults spent, on average, $1,313 more on healthcare every year compared to
active adults.
According to the CDC, regular Physical activity is one of the best ways to age better,
stronger, maintain balance and overall better health! 150 minute per week, or 30
minutes 5 times a week of some type of aerobic activity, like brisk walking 2-3 days
per week is strength training and this can help with better balance as we know falls are
a huge concern with age.
Prepare ahead of time!
Thinking ahead at how to prepare your household can save you financially as
well as emotionally. Take a good look at your house and see how you can prepare ahead of time
from removing throw rugs that pose a potential hazards to consider factoring in
width of doorways, walls that are strong enough to have grab bars installed,
kitchens that are easy to move in with a wheel chair, and door handles that are
easy to open to name a few items.
Check out this GUIDE to help identify household modification needs and priority
now for later.
Source out trust-worthy resources for handy-people and lawn care and
transportation to help healthy and safe aging in place.
Here is to Aging Better - In Place! –Be Well!
Always consult with your Doctor about the right exercise and diet for your needs and any medical
concerns!
* https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/four-challenges-to-aging-in-place
** JCHS tabulations of University of Michigan, 2014 Health and Retirement Survey.
***https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/docs/carlson-physical-activity-and-
healthcare-expenditures-final-508tagged.pdf
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