Aging in place is a great option for those who want to remain in the comfort of their own home. However, living at home comes with both pros and cons. It’s important to understand the challenges you might face so you can maintain a high quality of life as you age. Here, we offer tips to support your physical, mental, cognitive, and financial health as you age in place.
Supporting physical changes in mobility and ability while aging in place
One of the biggest challenges of aging is adapting to changes in mobility and ability. Things that once came easily may become more difficult, but you can still find ways to support your changing physical abilities.
Changes to your home
There are many ways you can modify your interior space to make your home safer and more comfortable. A few ideas include:
- Modifying your bedroom by adding a chair to make getting dressed easier and upgrading to more supportive pillows.
- Updating your bathroom by purchasing a shower chair, installing grab bars, or installing a walk-in tub.
- Making your kitchen safer by reorganizing cabinets, installing additional light sources, or installing slip-proof flooring.
- Creating a safer living area by removing area rugs, updating door handles, or installing smart light switches.
- Changing up your outdoor space by installing additional lighting, upgrading to a keyless lock, or installing an outdoor ramp.
Managing transportation
Many cities and towns have transportation services for older adults who don’t drive or have a car. Some ride programs are free and supported by local and nationwide initiatives. Do a quick Google search for “senior transportation near me” to find local resources.
You can also enter your zip code on the Eldercare Locator to get a list of resources to contact about finding senior ride services near you.
Staying social and supporting mental health and emotional needs
Loneliness is a common concern among seniors who feel isolated at home while aging in place. It can exacerbate existing health conditions, like heart disease, dementia, and depression. Fortunately, there are things you can do to stay social and support your emotional needs.
Join a group
Joining a group is a great way to stay social. You get to do something you enjoy, spend time with people with similar interests, and get out of the house, all of which are good for your mental health.
Different types of groups you may be able to find near you include:
- Walking groups in your neighborhood.
- Sports clubs with senior-focused classes.
- Card, puzzle, or other game clubs.
- Book clubs.
- Volunteer groups.
Contact senior centers, museums, and libraries in your area to see if they offer special classes or events designed for seniors.
Hire a companion caregiver
Home health aides are a good option if you could use a little help with activities of daily living or medication management, but if you’re only looking for companionship, consider hiring a companion caregiver. They can help with transportation and light housekeeping, but their main goal is to provide you with companionship and social interaction.
In addition, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family members. Most would be happy to plan a day every week or two to visit, go for a walk, or run some errands.
Maintaining cognitive function while aging in place
Spending time with other people is a great way to keep your brain sharp, but there are other ways to support your cognitive health as you age in place. Here are a few options.
Pursue a hobby
Having a hobby that you enjoy is important to brain health. It supports sensory engagement, self-expression, and cognitive stimulation, all of which are important for good mental health and can boost your well-being.
Discovering a new hobby is one of the best ways to stay sharp as you age because it can boost memory and attention.
A few hobbies to try include:
- Playing a musical instrument.
- Growing a garden.
- Learning a new language.
- Learning how to sew.
- Painting or drawing.
- Doing puzzles.
Stay active
Physical exercise is also beneficial for mental health. It can reduce feelings of depression, improve sleep, and help maintain general cognitive function.
Exercise can be beneficial even if it is not strenuous. Pick something you enjoy doing. Some ideas include:
- Walking or bicycling.
- Yoga or tai chi.
- Swimming.
- Lifting weights.
Protecting your financial security while aging in place
Your financial security is important as you’re aging in place, especially if you’re on a fixed income. There are a few things you can do to protect your financial security and make managing your finances easier.
Determine how you’ll manage your finances
Have a plan for keeping track of your finances. Tech-savvy individuals may feel comfortable scheduling reminders on their phone so they don’t miss any due dates for bills. Others may prefer to track due dates on a calendar along with medical and social appointments so everything is in one place. Still others may want to enlist the support of a trusted family member to help keep track of financial details.
You could also consider setting up automatic payments for recurring bills so you never forget to pay them.
Designate a power of attorney
Designating a power of attorney can provide you with peace of mind and protect your finances. Choose a person you trust who can handle your finances on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. With this option, you can guarantee that your money is spent responsibly, even if you can’t manage your finances on your own.
Increase your quality of life while aging in place
Aging in place allows older adults to enjoy the familiarity and comfort of home, but it requires some thoughtful planning to ensure safety, health, and well-being. By making practical modifications to your home, staying socially and mentally active, and protecting your finances, you can address some common challenges of aging in place. With the right approach, you can stay safe, healthy, and comfortable as you age in place.
