It’s practically a universal truth: If you are in a good mental state of mind, you’re more inclined to be active and exercise. If you are well and fit, your mind feels sharper and more focused. Mental and physical health are equal partners. The need for that balance grows even stronger with age. The Circular Relationship between Physical and Mental Health For an older person, physical decline - be it [...]
What comes to mind when someone says the word “accessible” in the context of aging in place? Does it conjure up images of an institution? A sterile environment? An accessible home, when given the right foresight and consideration, can be just as “homey” as any non-accessibly transformed home. Sadly, however, either due to the fear of creating an unattractive environment or the natural tendency to ignore a decline in health [...]
For many of us, it’s hard to remember when our phones weren’t our constant companions. When Google couldn’t give us the answer to any of our questions. For the younger generation, this is all they have ever known. They are malleable and adapt well to new things. For an older generation, while smart phones and Facebook allow them to keep in touch with their grandchildren, going out of those bounds [...]
Are you an adult child of parents (or a parent) who want to age in place — who don’t want to leave their home? Are you concerned because you are not sure if this is the best option for them? You’re definitely far from alone. As we’ve mentioned before, about 90 percent of Americans 65 and older wish to live out their golden years in their home for as long [...]
Barbara is 86 years old and recently widowed. Her husband of 65 years handled all of the mail, bill paying and filing. Now, she is saddled with a pile of paperwork and bills that need to be paid. She is overwhelmed and realizes she needs help. But Barbara doesn’t have any nearby family who can assist her — her closest family member lives about three hours away. Barbara knows if [...]
It can be heartbreaking when one of your clients dies and leaves a grieving spouse behind. During this sad and often tumultuous time, it’s hard for some surviving spouses to know how to move forward amidst their grief. As you know, after a spouse dies, there are many tasks that have to be tended to. Luckily, they have you as an advisor who can point them in the right direction [...]
When thinking of our loved ones aging in place, it’s tempting to think their home will remain clean and orderly and they will happily and safely live in it. Of course, life often gets in the way and messes and disorganization can result. Papers can start piling and items might not always get put away. Sometimes clutter accumulates on couches and sometimes on the floor. Either way, an out-of-place item [...]
Mike is 85 years old and has always handled his family’s money and bills. Unfortunately, Mike recently had a stroke, is in the hospital and incapable of paying the bills. His wife, Sarah, has never handled their money so doesn’t even know where to start. *********** Maria is 90 and has lived alone for the past 15 years. She missed paying a few bills in recent months and is now [...]
When thinking of living out our golden years, some of us may have grand plans like moving to a warmer climate or to a retirement community. But the reality is most of us want to remain right where we are. The vast majority — about 90 percent — of people over age 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible, according to research by AARP. Additionally, [...]
Whether it’s been a while since you’ve seen your parents or you are able to visit them regularly, would you know if there was a problem with them living independently? You might not. Sometimes the signs are subtle and don’t fully arise until bigger problems occur. Early Action The best time to help your loved ones stay living independently is by catching problems in the early stages when they might [...]
