12/21/2023
Good Evening Regency Family!
“Where Caring Comes to Life!”
Over the years, some have flattered us by attempting to plagiarize our coined slogan which has become our charter and our mandate. Imitated, but never duplicated, our Regency Alliance on Senior Healthcare has been empowering seniors and their families for decades. This latest article is another step in that direction. Enjoy!
The golden years are some of our happiest. But this doesn’t change the fact that aging comes with several challenges, from declining health to increasing medical expenses. Taking steps to plan ahead can help you avoid and overcome these obstacles—and finally enjoy some peace of mind about your future.
A stress-free retirement may not be as difficult to achieve as you may think. Here’s how you can avoid common age-related concerns and live your golden years to their fullest, presented to you below by the Regency Post-Acute, Rehab & Nursing Center.
Feeling Unsafe at Home
The vast majority of people over 50 want to age in place, according to AARP. Unfortunately, the home can become a dangerous place for seniors due to age-related changes in the body such as muscle loss or bone density decline. The constant threat of household accidents is a common source of stress for seniors, especially those living alone.
Take steps to make your home a safe and accommodating place where you can feel comfortable and in control. Certain accessibility modifications, like installing grab bars in the bathroom and adding a ramp to your front entrance, can reduce your risk of falls and help you maintain your independence.
If your home cannot be properly modified to suit your needs, take a look online at accessible homes in your community. It’s easy to do with an online tool. You’ll be able to quickly determine if purchasing a more accessible home is a viable option.
Health
One of the best ways you can stay healthy long-term and prevent accidents like falls is to exercise frequently. There are many great ways for seniors to exercise — from walking to water aerobics to weightlifting. Yoga is another excellent choice for seniors because it helps to strengthen bones and muscles and reduces anxiety and depression. Find a yoga teacher in your area who specializes in working with seniors.
Be sure to sanitize your mats or other exercise equipment between uses. You may find that harsh store-bought cleaning products irritate your skin or nostrils. In that case, you can save money by using your own DIY cleaners made from common household products.
Finding Supportive Senior Living
If aging in place isn’t a realistic option, know that there are alternatives such as moving into an assisted living facility. These facilities offer seniors safety and security, along with opportunities to socialize with other seniors. Seniors also receive extra assistance, such as meal preparation, medication management, and transportation to doctor appointments. Some assisted living homes even have fitness facilities and on-site salons.
End-of-Life Planning
End-of-life planning is so stressful and uncomfortable that most people put it off until absolutely necessary. While you may not want to address these issues just yet, handling your final arrangements now will save you from making rushed decisions later, or worse, leaving your loved ones to shoulder the burden. Put together an advance directive so your family will know what kind of care you want during a health crisis.
Take the time to plan your funeral now as well. Make sure you’re prepared to cover your funeral and burial expenses to save your loved ones from these costs. What’s more, documenting your wishes will prevent your family from having to make difficult, time-sensitive decisions during a time of grief. Pre-planning your funeral is one of the best gifts you can leave for your family!
Financial Issues
Medical bills are another common source of stress for seniors. Medicare can help you offset the costs of many health services, including preventive screenings and treatments for chronic conditions.
However, Medicare does not offer coverage for long-term care. This means you will have to find alternative ways to fund your stay in an assisted living or nursing home if there comes a time when you can no longer remain at home. Starting a business in retirement is one option. Operating a business can also be a great way to stay active. Keep in mind, however, that you should not use your retirement savings as startup funds.
Most seniors pay out of pocket for assisted living using a combination of personal savings, retirement accounts, proceeds from selling their home, and investment income. You could also get long-term care insurance to cover future assisted living expenses, although PBS warns that due to changing premiums and high costs, this may not be ideal for many seniors.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is another common worry facing seniors. While it’s normal to experience some forgetfulness as you progress through your senior years, this is not always cause for concern. Several factors can cause memory loss, including some medications and medical issues such as thyroid problems or vitamin B12 deficiencies. These may be reversed by switching medications or treating your physical conditions.
Don’t let stress cloud your golden years! It’s normal to have concerns about growing older, but these stressors do not have to hold you back from enjoying life. You have all the experience and wisdom you need to overcome any challenges that come along. Take preventive action to safeguard your health, your finances, and your independence so you enjoy a carefree and fulfilling retirement!