How To Ensure You Can Age in Place

As you get older, you may start to realize that things aren’t as easy as they used to be. The garden pots may start to feel heavier or your energy levels deplete quicker. While this doesn’t mean you need to take up a full-time residence in a rocking chair, it does mean you need to start planning for the future.

By planning ahead, you’ll ensure that you can age in the comfort of your own home. This is important, as being able to live on your own terms can give you dignity and a sense of purpose as you enter your golden years.

Planning for this next phase of life requires a well-rounded approach. You need to ensure that your finances are stable, that you make home adjustments before it’s too late, and that you have all the support you need as you grow older.

Financial Planning

Financial planning for your future is a vital step toward living a healthier, happier life. You need to ensure that you have the funds necessary to age in place (AIP) and that you can retire without any financial worries.

Getting your finances in order now will also save you money in the future. Living in a nursing home costs $1,591 more each month than AIP. Taking care of your home and making a few modifications now will save you plenty of money in the long run.

There’s no “right” way to plan your finances during later life. In reality, you need to speak with your bank to decide which plans are right for you. The best financial plan depends on your current situation and the plan you have for the future. But, making sure you have the finances you need when you need them can help you invest in home modifications that help you age in place.

Modifying Your Home

Even if you’re not quite ready for wheelchairs and walking sticks, you may want to make some proactive home modifications so your living situation still works for you in the coming years. For example, Rebecca, the founder of this blog, noticed that her friend’s garden paths and walkways wouldn’t be appropriate as she aged. This led her to notice a range of home modifications that would be necessary for her own living space.

There are several ways you can modify your home for AIP, especially as your body’s mobility starts to become a concern. Install handrails and consider adding non-slip grip tape to any steep steps. You may want to get rid of rugs that can become a tripping hazard and should add extra lighting to dark areas like stairs and cupboards. Opt for furniture that’s easy to get in and out of, such as a power lift recliner, to avoid potential injuries. Organize it in a way that’s easy for you to maneuver. Add threshold ramps for wheelchairs and scooters.

Making mobility modifications in your home can be a knock on your confidence at first. However, mobility changes are intended to help you retain your dignity in the long run. Always honor your feelings, but remembering the reason for making these changes can help you accept them.

Health and Well-being

Healthy aging is another key component of prepping for AIP. By taking care of your health now, you can preserve your mobility and independence for longer in the future.

Start by taking care of the basics. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthier diet can have a massive impact on your ability to age in place. Even if you’ve smoked your whole life, quitting now can improve your health and reduce your risk of acute illnesses such as lung cancer and heart attacks.

You should also start to prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. You still need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to help your body recover from the stress and strain of life. This can help reduce the chance of developing illnesses like dementia in later life. Getting a good night’s sleep can also help improve your focus and make you feel better throughout your day. These are all fairly simple changes that can help improve your health, even if you’re already over age 50.

Conclusion

You can age in place by setting yourself up for financial stability and making preemptive mobility modifications to your home. This might be as simple as leveling out a garden path or adding grip tape to your stairs. When the time comes, don’t feel ashamed about needing assistance with power lift chairs or handrails. They’ll save you from accidents and help you enjoy older age with dignity.

You should also look out for your health. Even if you’ve smoked for decades, giving up now can extend your life and help you live a more active lifestyle. Making changes to your lifestyle like sleeping more can also prevent illnesses like dementia and give you more pep in your step later in the day.