When we think about safety for older adults, we often think of it in terms of the risks at home and how to eliminate falls. We focus on immediate hazard prevention such as improving lighting, adding grab bars and handrails. Removing items from high shelves and dark basements. All these things are necessary and important for successful aging in place. But safety for seniors goes beyond tangible tactics. Here [...]
“Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded list of chores. It can be a rewarding experience that helps provide some structure and organization in your life.” — Peter Walsh Ah spring. The days get longer, the sun gets warmer. Spring is traditionally that time of year to give your home a cleansing scrub after being cooped up all winter, but it’s also a good time to assess your home [...]
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 [...]
If you’re a caregiver, you know the rewards that come with the loving act. They often include feeling a sense of purpose and appreciation from the person you help, who might be a parent or a spouse. However, it is not without challenges. It can be a 24/7 calling with many sleepless nights and stress-filled days. The emotional and physical toll of caregiving can be downright exhausting but also very [...]
Although the vast majority of Americans (about 90 percent over age 65) want to stay in their homes to live out their golden years, unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. As time marches on and we age, homes that were perfectly functional to us can pose obstacles later on as our abilities decline. Think about when you were young and could bound up and down the stairs. As you age, those steps [...]
Richard* is an affluent retiree living on his own. He’s in his mid-80s and appears fine physically but he’s starting to slow down and make some mistakes. Richard’s daughter, Meg,* knows this and keeps tabs on her dad by checking in regularly either on the phone or in person. One day, Richard has a fall which requires a trip to the emergency room and he’s subsequently admitted to the hospital. [...]
It’s normal to worry about your parents’ financial future if they haven’t filled you in with any specifics. You know that with aging comes declining physical and cognitive abilities. And you want to make sure they’re financially protected for the long term as they move through their golden years. But broaching the subject about their current and future finances is far from easy. It can seem like you’re intruding in [...]
Across the globe, nearly 40 percent of older adults (aged 60 and older) live with extended family who are there to assist them when they need it. But in the United States, older people are far less likely to live this way. In fact, only about 6 percent do, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. This leaves a large proportion of older adults either living on their own [...]
Maybe you’ve seen it in your neighborhood. A once-lovely home starts to show signs of neglect over months or years. A shingle or two might be missing from the roof, the yard is overgrown with weeds, algae is covering the siding and the front lights are not working. What appears on the outside is often a reflection of the inside of the home. Maybe the under-the-cabinet kitchen sink pipes have [...]
No matter our age, having a sense of purpose or meaning to life propels us to be healthier and happier overall, according to recent research. A sense of purpose can be defined as having a sense of direction and that there is true meaning to our present and past life. One’s purpose can vary from person to person and can change with the specific life stage we are in. For [...]
