Is It Smart to Age in Place?
07/23/2019
As Boomers age, they may consider relocating from their current home, especially if it is too large. The increasing popularity of active adult and retirement communities is a clear indication that Boomers are more than willing to relocate to improve their living situation.
But for those who do not want to leave their homes, the concept of "aging in place" is gaining traction. According to The Center for Aging in Place, "Aging in Place is a national movement to enable people to stay in their own homes as they grow older by making available the social support, health care, and home maintenance services they require to live happy, productive lives in the community."
Aging in place can have both a positive and negative side. On the positive side, wise Boomers are making a concerted effort to modify their existing homes so they are safer, more secure habitats. On the negative side, some Boomers adamantly refuse to make needed modifications if they do not want leave their homes, creating a situation that could easily result in tripping, falling, or severe personal injury.
If you've made a decision to age in place, you owe it to yourself to take a good, hard look at your physical home, your neighborhood, and your general environment. You should ask yourself honest questions about whether or not there are deficiencies or conditions that need to be remedied for you to be able to live comfortably as you age. This article on NextAvenue.org answers several important questions: https://www.nextavenue.org/answers-questions-aging-place/
AARP has a wealth of material about aging in place offered through the "AARP HomeFit Guide." You can find it here: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info-2014/aarp-home-fit-guide-aging-in-place.html
Porch.com offers a comprehensive guide to aging in place: https://porch.com/advice/aging-in-place-what-every-senior-should-know
Below are a few links to some valuable resources concerning aging in place, courtesy of Marie at ElderImpact.org:
The Most Common In-Home Injuries for Seniors and How to Prevent Them
How to Reduce Hoarding and Clutter to Prevent Falls
How to Remodel for Accessibility
How to Make & Pay for Home Modifications to Enable Aging in Place
Top 7 Garage Safety Hazards that You Shouldn’t Be Ignoring
Making Aging in Place Easier with Digital Health Technology
Image: Pixabay.com
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