People prefer to age in place. That\u2019s been confirmed by studies time after time. Change is stressful, especially a change of living space, so it\u2019s not surprising that seniors prefer to stay where they are and \u201cage in place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not familiar with the term \u201caging-in-place\u201d? It means that you stay in the home of your choice as you age. You keep the home you know with all its familiarity and memories.<\/p>\n
Aging in place is popular because it means retaining independence, something that\u2019s vital for seniors\u2019 sense of wellbeing. Whether the place in which you are aging is your family\u2019s long-time house, a down-sized empty-nester\u2019s roost, or an apartment in a retirement community<\/a>, the sense that you are in control is essential to maintaining your health.<\/p>\n If aging-in-place is your goal, there are ways to make sure you can stay independent. Here are some targeted strategies.<\/p>\n Try these methods for empowering you to stay active and maintain vitality in spite of any change in your abilities:<\/p>\n Have you heard of the Blue Zones? These are areas throughout the world where people live the longest and are the healthiest. Their diet, dubbed \u201cthe Blue Zone diet<\/a>\u201d is considered a contributing factor to their longevity. Some of the key elements are: eat mostly plants, incorporate beans regularly in your meals, snack on nuts, and drink mostly water. The National Institute on Aging<\/a> recommends focusing on lean protein (plant-based as well), complex carbs (like whole grains), fruits, and vegetables. Both sources offer recommendations around what to avoid: remove added sugars, and limit dairy and salty foods. Building new relationships and keeping up old ones will keep you mentally healthy and has been proven to reduce stress and the risk of depression. By creating meaningful relationships, you will feel more connected and supported.<\/p>\n Senior community centers, Jewish Community Centers, YMCAs, and other faith-based organizations all offer a wealth of classes, groups, and activities, often specifically for seniors.\u00a0 The same goes for senior living communities. Whether you enjoy knitting, golf, aerobics, card games, or talking politics, there\u2019s likely a group you can join full of people with similar interests.\u00a0 And while you\u2019re having fun, you\u2019re actually taking positive action to support your health.<\/p>\n A change of scene will do you good, and exposure to the natural world is restorative. Take a walk outside if you are able – in your neighborhood, in a park, around an outdoor shopping center.<\/p>\n Or if you prefer to slow down in nature, try forest bathing.\u00a0 Forest bathing is not about doing (hiking, jogging); it\u2019s about being.\u00a0 No water involved, this Japanese practice means immersing yourself in the natural world and observing it through all five senses. By paying close attention to nature, you slow down and connect to something outside of yourself.<\/p>\n Do you find you\u2019re spending a lot of time reading, crafting, or watching TV? If so, try getting up every hour to move. You can climb stairs, walk around the block, or take a tour of your house. Turn on music and dance. However you move, you\u2019ll feel better and this will help maintain your strength and physical abilities in all areas of your life<\/p>\n Beyond moving every hour, it\u2019s important to have a regular program of exercise to keep your body strong and heart-healthy.\u00a0 The current recommendation is a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity a week or about 20 minutes a day. Small improvements to your daily activity level can have major benefits for seniors <\/a>.<\/p>\n Your brain needs a workout, just like your body. We\u2019re not talking about TV, movies, or even reading.\u00a0 Give your brain a workout with puzzles, word games, studying a new language, etc.<\/p>\n Maybe you\u2019ve heard the term \u201cneuroplasticity\u201d.\u00a0 It may sound intimidating, but it simply means our brains can change across our lifespan. Not too long ago, many believed the brain stopped evolving at age 12.\u00a0 That\u2019s just not true. Our brains remain capable of change throughout our lives.<\/p>\n To enhance your brain\u2019s functioning, find an activity you enjoy, something you can stick with over time and that challenges you.\u00a0 Learning new things, like dancing or languages may be your thing. Try writing, playing an instrument, or using apps like Wordle and Duolingo.\u00a0 Keep challenging yourself and have fun.<\/p>\n The ability to share your time and talents with others is one of the advantages of retirement. Volunteering offers reward to the recipient and to you. Connecting with and helping other people creates opportunities for social engagement and brain exercise. Sharing your gifts can offer a renewed sense of purpose and improve your state of mind.<\/p>\n The opportunities for volunteering in Nashville are endless, from the library to Habitat for Humanity to a variety of health organizations. Define what you\u2019re passionate about and the skills you offer. Then a matching site like Volunteer Match<\/a> or an organization like AARP<\/a> can help.<\/p>\n Make sure your living space is safe and convenient for you.\u00a0 This could mean taking simple actions such as removing throw rugs to reduce slip\/fall hazards or asking a family member or friend to assist you in organizing. Or it could also mean hiring a home adaptation professional to help you consider adding grab bars in the bathroom or making your home accessible to a walker or wheelchair. Only take on home maintenance tasks you can handle safely<\/a> and consult with a certifed aging in place specialist<\/a> for larger projects.<\/p>\n This could be a landscape service to handle outdoor tasks, a cleaning service to tackle the heavy housework, or an in-home caregiver to help with laundry and other chores. If you are accustomed to handling all of your home chores and maintenance, consider how you could continue yet adapt what you are doing.\u00a0 For example, perhaps you can safely continue to weed gardens and lightly trim shrubs, but it may be worthwhile to hire a professional for areas out of reach such as cleaning gutters and standing on ladders. Keep up with the vacuuming and daily cleaning, but hire someone to scrub the bathrooms.<\/p>\n If your budget doesn\u2019t have room for hiring helpers, look for government and other assistance programs in your area.\u00a0 Consult neighborhood resources, such as Next Door, to find local, inexpensive help with daily tasks such as taking the trash to the street or mowing your lawn.<\/p>\nStrategies for maintaining independence as you age<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Personal strategies<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eat healthy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nYou don\u2019t have to make radical diet changes. Try substitutions, like plant-based milk in your coffee. Add in more vegetables for snacks throughout the day, such as baby carrots with hummus, or apple slices dipped in nut butter. Get fun and creative with finding healthier ingredient substitutes for some of your favorite recipes. And remember, you don\u2019t have to completely eliminate sweets; just try to limit them.<\/p>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Socialize<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Get outside<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Move your body regularly<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Exercise your brain<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Help others<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Strategies for the home<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stay safe<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hire help<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Explore opportunities for assistance<\/strong><\/h2>\n