Monthly Archives: January 2020

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Housing Challenges For Seniors

One crucial element of aging well is housing, and there’s much to criticize about what’s currently available. 

For one, there aren’t enough properties that provide for the affordability, accessibility, and social well-being necessary for seniors’ quality of life. 

Thus, developing housing that incorporates universal design features — no-step entries; bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens on the ground level; wide doorways and hallways; variable counter heights; and lever-style handles.

The Milken Institute report does point to several promising lifestyle trends that address seniors’ needs, including: 

·       Co-housing — People live in their own homes but have communal spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas where residents come together for meals and socializing. 

·       Student matches – Older homeowners rent rooms to students, providing affordable housing for students and easing seniors’ housing costs. In addition, homeowners can get help with household tasks and forge deeper social connections. 

·       Home sharing — Adults living together bring benefits similar to student matches – sharing household tasks and easing housing costs and social isolation. 

·       Multigenerational housing and granny units – Seniors living with family members or in an on-site granny flat or accessible dwelling unit (ADU) on the property can strengthen family relationships, keep seniors out of institutional settings, and lower the costs of caregiving. 

If you need help with housing or need help for a loved one.  Contact us.  We can help you sort through available options and answer any questions you may have.   

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3 Strategies for Living Longer in Your Home

Personal health, physical environment, and the ability to use technology play vital roles in remaining independent and aging in place as long as possible.  Let’s explore these three strategies to living longer in your home.

1. Walk Your Way to Health

All types of physical activity deliver health benefits. For seniors, a daily walking routine is often the best option. Harvard Medical School cites various studies that have confirmed that walking counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes, reduces cravings for sweets, eases joint pain, and boosts immune function.

Achieving these benefits may require only 20 minutes of walking a day, five days a week.

To gain even more from your walks, take them outdoors, with
or without a friend. These short bursts of activity can improve your mental outlook in addition to your physical health.

2. Embrace One-Floor Living

Talk to a universal design specialist to learn how to
prepare your home so you can age gracefully. You may need to make significant renovations, or your home may only require a few small changes to accommodate one-floor living.

If your house doesn’t lend itself
to a first-floor bedroom, can’t accommodate assistive equipment in the shower, or requires more renovations than you’re willing

to make, consider moving to a different home.

It will be easier to change your address now than to wait until health issues dictate a move. You’ll have more time to make decorating decisions and get settled in, so the new house becomes “home” to you and your family.

3. Get Comfortable With Technology

Technology is rapidly changing many aspects of life, from opening up new ways to receive medical care, new options for staying in touch with family and friends, and new ways to manage tasks around the home.

If you aren’t already familiar
with tablets or smartphones,
take a class at your local library or community center, and learn the basics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the benefits these devices can offer.

Robots and smart homes will play a significant role in independent living. Soon, you’ll be able to control your entire home, from opening windows and unlocking doors to changing the thermostat and ordering delivered meals—all with your voice!