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Remaining in your own home as you grow older, also known as aging in place, may seem intimidating, especially if you have a physical or an emotional disability. After all, there’s so much work to be done. You have to prepare your own meals, clean your own home, and basically take care of yourself without a team of trained professionals. 

Or do you?

Help is available if you decide to age in place, and there are tons of benefits. You can also avoid the downfalls of residing in a nursing home or retirement community. Read the valuable information below before you decide to tour a senior living facility.

Costs Are High

Do you enjoy living alone? Expect to spend an average of about $8,500 per month for a private room at a nursing home. The price drops to around $7,500 if you want a semi-private room, but that isn’t exactly a budget-friendly rate if you’re on a fixed income. Rates for retirement communities vary, but you may still pay a hefty price to spend your golden years around other seniors. 

Approximately one-third of seniors between the ages of 60 and 69 and more than 50% of seniors above the age of 70 no longer have a mortgage payment. If that description matches your situation or you’re close to paying off your home, it often makes sense to stay in it. You can use the money you’d spend on your monthly mortgage premium to pay for assistance with your daily tasks or in-home healthcare, if needed. You may find that you simply need a few home modifications, such as a wheelchair ramp or shower rail, to help you function without assistance.

Risk of Illness Is Potentially Lower

Viral infection such as the flu can spread quickly among the population of a nursing home or retirement facility. If you have a weakened immune system, the flu may turn into pneumonia, which can be fatal. You’re also at risk of contracting contagious illnesses such as strep throat, lice, and the common cold.

Residents who receive care in a nursing home may also contract staph infections, bladder infections, or skin infections. Healthcare workers often have a large number of patients to attend to during their shift, which makes them prone to fatigue-related errors. You may end up taking the wrong medicine or an incorrect dose of your prescriptions. 

If you choose to age at home and receive medical care, your healthcare worker may provide one-on-one attention, focusing solely on your needs. This may help reduce the risk of life-threatening errors.

Protect Your Possessions

The news is full of stories about innocent senior citizens who were victims of theft, fraud, or embezzlement. While it’s true that theft can occur in your own home or while you’re out running errands, you may find it easier to keep an eye on prized possessions if you remain in your own home. You can choose safe places to store them to decrease the risk of theft.

If you hire someone to help with errands or provide in-home health care, make sure to place valuable items out of sight before your helper arrives. Many workers have good intentions, but it’s important to protect yourself against the ones who don’t. Never provide your banking information or Social Security number over the phone unless you’re 100% sure you’re speaking to someone from your bank or a government office, and don’t leave checkbooks out in the open.

Senior citizens deal with an assortment of pros and cons no matter where they choose to live. However, living in a retirement center or nursing home may have fewer benefits than aging in place. Consider the facts mentioned above before you move out of your own home and into an assisted living facility.

Downsizing is an increasingly popular way to live simply, create space, and commit to a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. If you’re moving to a smaller home, downsizing is absolutely essential. If you’re looking to make a fresh start, downsizing can be a liberating exercise. It’s also an important strategy for making your home attractive to prospective buyers. However, it can be an exhausting emotional ordeal, especially if you get rid of beloved possessions. Fortunately, there are several tips that can help you get through it all productively. 

Take your time

Some people try to rush through the downsizing process thinking it’s the best way to avoid experiencing too much pain over getting rid of possessions that still hold powerful memories. Unfortunately, rushing through it can lead to mistakes and oversights, causing you to inadvertently get rid of something you really wanted to save. You might also misplace something that has great financial or personal value, so take a systematic approach. It’s worthwhile if you’re serious about simplifying your life in a positive way.  

Follow your system

Begin with your paper files. Anything that’s not worth scanning to your hard drive and keeping should be carefully reviewed. Make three files for documents you’ll keep, shred, and throw out, and stick to those categories. Make sure you carefully label each pile to avoid getting papers mixed up and placed in the wrong pile. Your “keep” files should be kept in a safe or water-tight box. You can always take your “shred” documents to a professional shredding service if you’re uncomfortable doing it at home.

Closets

Closets are notorious places for tossing objects you don’t know what else to do with. It’s a habit common to every home. They’re also places where all kinds of belongings stack up over the years. Start going through them by getting rid of clothing you haven’t worn for a year or more. Dresses, suits, shoes, ties, and other pieces of business or formal wear should be considered carefully. If you don’t need or want it, get rid of it. Old clothing can be taken to Goodwill, AmVets, or the Salvation Army, or placed in consignment if they’re in good shape. Stop debating with yourself about whether you’ll wear something that doesn’t fit anymore—get rid of it once and for all. If it helps you, remember that most people wear 20 percent of their clothing 80 percent of the time. That should help you decide to get rid of items you know you won’t wear or wear enough. 

Kitchen and bathroom

In general, these are two rooms that should be somewhat easier to clear out, since there usually aren’t as many sentimental objects to agonize over. Start by getting rid of any duplicate items. People often keep their drinkware cabinets jam-packed with more glasses, cups, and coffee mugs than they could ever use. These are excellent items to send to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, so don’t hold back. If you have an odds-and-ends drawer or cabinet, see how much you can purge. Chances are you’ll find quite a few duplicate items here as well. 

Do it right

If you’re planning to downsize by selling your home, make sure to follow these tips. Begin by checking the housing market in your area to make sure it’s practical to try selling your home. It makes little sense to put it on the market if you’re unlikely to get a price that exceeds the current balance of your mortgage. Have your home inspected for problems with the roof, foundation, and other key structural elements. If everything checks out, begin decluttering and cleaning your house so it’s ready to show to prospective buyers. Get rid of excess furniture and unnecessary objects that are making your interior too busy. And don’t forget to spruce up your exterior to make sure your home has true curb appeal.Downsizing is an excellent way to get your life under control and a must if you’re planning to put your home on the market. Take the time to do it right. Don’t rush and risk missing or losing things. Establish a system, and stick to it – don’t allow sentiment to take over. Remember, you’re trying to unburden yourself by purging unnecessary possessions.

Difficulty sleeping can have serious consequences on everyone’s physical and mental health, but this is especially true for seniors. Research shows that sleep issues for seniors can lead to memory issues and dementia as well as increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. On top of that, low-quality sleep means we’re not using energy efficiently, which can boost a senior’s risk for obesity and result in a weakened immune system. Don’t take a few restless nights lightly— sleep is serious business.

Falling and staying asleep might be challenging for some seniors, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible. Here are a few questions— and answers— to help get you on track for a good night’s rest.

When should I talk to my doctor?

If you are regularly waking up or struggling to fall asleep for a week or longer, you should consult your doctor. Before you meet with her, keep a sleep log that documents what you did a few hours before going to bed, how often you woke up, how long you went without sleep, and what you did for the first few hours after getting out of bed. It’s also important you keep your family and friends in the loop so they can help you commit to positive sleep behaviors and communicating with your care providers.

How can I improve my home’s air quality?

Good air means good sleep, especially for seniors with respiratory issues. You need proper ventilation and the right balance of moisture in the air to replenish your body and guard against germs and bacteria. Improving your home’s air quality can be as simple as purchasing a humidifier, which can help minimize the suffering from respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Why do I keep waking up at night?

Irregular breathing at night is a serious situation, one that you definitely need to bring up to your doctor. You may have sleep apnea, where your breathing frequently stops and starts during sleep. You may not even realize you are waking up when this happens, but it disrupts your sleep cycle, keeping your mind and body in light sleep mode. Since your sleep should only consist of about 3 percent light sleep, you may not get enough restful, deep sleep due to this breathing condition.

Will diet and exercise make a difference?

Absolutely! Eating a balanced, healthy diet is important to your overall well-being. In addition, try to avoid drinking or eating foods with sugar and caffeine at least two hours before you go to bed. Of course, a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle is more than just eating well— exercise is important, too. Daily physical activity can increase the amount of time you spend in deep sleep so you feel more rested in the morning and throughout your day. Physical activity is also a healthy coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, which often keeps our minds up when we’re trying to wind down.
When it comes to sleep, you are risking much more than a groggy morning. Studies show a possible connection between sleep quality and Alzheimer’s, which means that your lack of sleep could increase your risk for dementia. If you have trouble getting a decent night’s rest, your mind and body will feel the drain. Get your sleep back on track, and you’ll see substantial improvement in your overall quality of life.

Are you looking to purchase a new home as a senior? Whether you need to downsize or simply want a change of pace, these seven features will help you stay comfortable in your living space.

Fewer Stairs and More Space

Perhaps the most important factor involved in buying a home as a senior is thinking about the future. Even if you can easily navigate stairs, perform maintenance tasks, or organize your home now, you may not have the ability to do so later in life. To save yourself from future hassle, consider purchasing a home with few stairs and plenty of open space. You want your new home to be comfortable no matter your age – otherwise, you may end up needing to move again.

Unfortunately, too many seniors ignore the future when signing a mortgage. Market Watch talks about some of the biggest mistakes seniors make when buying their dream retirement home. 

Easily-Accessible Fuses, Boxes, and Appliances

If the fuse box is located in a dark corner of an unfinished basement, the home may not be right for you. Other warning signs could include a washer and dryer in a closet instead of a proper laundry room, overlapping appliances in the kitchen, or hard-to-reach security features. Your entire home should be easily accessible.  

Affordable Heating and Cooling

As you age, the heating and cooling processes in your home become increasingly important. This means you should avoid homes that run on propane – which is known for being expensive and difficult to maintain. You may also want to consider homes with individual window units for air circulation. In small spaces, these units are more effective and immediate than central air. You should not consider a home with no air conditioning or heating. This could turn into a serious health problem in the future.

Multiple Bathrooms and Guest Rooms

Even if you plan on living alone, having multiple bathrooms and guest rooms for your extended family is important. Not only will you enjoy the company, but your family will be able to easily care for you in-home, should something go wrong. You don’t need anything extravagant. A simple guest room and half bath will do the trick.

Manageable Landscaping

Maybe you love gardening and landscaping right now. However, you need to consider the possibility that you may want to take a break in the future. When this happens, you’ll either need to accept the state of your landscaping, hire someone else to care for your lawn, or choose a home with less required outdoor maintenance. Skip these complex steps by picking a home with little required maintenance from the beginning. You can always create your own temporary gardens in window pots.

Convenient Floor

As you age, you might find that carpet is more comfortable on your feet. While certain rooms are simply easier to clean with wood or tile (such as the kitchen or bathroom), other rooms are easier to navigate with carpet (such as bedrooms or living spaces). Not sure how to handle carpet or wood in your new home? Cleveland.com explains the differences in installation, cost, and comfort. 

A Polished Finish

Gone are the days when purchasing a fixer-upper was fun. This time around, you want your home to be move-in ready. Otherwise, it could be years before you are truly comfortable in your living space.

Finding these seven features in your new home will help improve your relaxation, safety, and convenience over the years. Make an educated choice, and take your time. You’ll be glad you did.

Statistics indicate that the majority of baby boomers in the U.S. are overweight or obese, despite the news that they’re smoking and drinking less. Sadly, studies have found that the depression rate is skyrocketing in seniors struggling with a weight issue.

So what can be done about it? It’s never too late to institute healthy habits that can lead to weight loss. As when you were younger, the same rules apply: crash diets don’t work, there is no miracle pill to melt off the fat, and stay clear of anything that sounds like a fad. The only real way to lose weight and keep it off is by good old-fashioned diet and exercise. Here’s how to do it the safe way if you’re a senior. 

Find An Activity That Motivates You

Not a gym person? No problem. Exercise can be as simple as walking out the front door. If you’re in good enough health, consider getting a small dog to motivate you to take a stroll. As an added bonus, studies have proven that dogs can help alleviate symptoms of depression, so there’s never been a better reason to adopt a furry buddy. If you experience painful arthritis or mobility issues, low-impact exercises like swimming or biking are great options. Weight training is also crucial at this age, as muscle mass begins to deteriorate in your late thirties and early forties at a rate of three to five percent per decade. Along with reversing this situation, lifting weights and doing resistance exercises can help treat or prevent arthritis, depression, osteoporosis, back pain, diabetes, and of course, obesity.  

Find Ways To Eat Healthy

Even if you’re on a fixed income, it’s still possible to eat a healthy, balanced diet on a budget. Inexpensive staples such as whole grain rice and pasta, steel cut oats, quinoa, lean proteins, eggs, fruits, and vegetables cost less than you might think, as long as you purchase them at the right store at the right time. Plan your meals around what’s on sale, and stock up on freezables such as meat when you see a good price. Consider speaking with a nutritionist to help you create a plan that meets your specific nutritional needs and goals. Not to mention, it can help to be accountable to someone so you don’t fall off the wagon. 

Take Up A Stress-Relieving Hobby

Stress prompts the production of cortisol, which can stimulate belly fat and overindulging. Take up a non-physical activity such as journaling, knitting, drawing, or meditating in an effort to keep stress at bay. Any weight-loss program should include measures to treat the mind as well as the body. Make it a group activity to avoid social isolation during the weight-loss process. 

Track Your Progress

A scale isn’t the only way to track your progress, even though new evidence suggests weighing yourself daily can help keep you in line. Increased strength and endurance, decreased stress, improved mobility, better sleep, and more energy are fantastic ways to know you’re on the right track. 

While it’s great that you want to make the effort to lose weight, make sure you check with your doctor first — this is particularly important for those with pre-existing health conditions. Equally important is surrounding yourself with positive people who support your efforts, as they’ll be your network when you have successes and slip-ups. Don’t beat yourself up if you get off track. Life is all about balance, so consider it an opportunity to revamp your routine to your advantage.

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