Aging with dignity is everyone’s dream that seems to be unattainable given the situation right now – rapid aging population, issues surrounding aging like illnesses, lack of planning for long-term care and limited retirement savings.
But is it really hard to age with dignity?
It’s hard but not impossible to attain. Individuals should learn to accept that aging is inevitable and to embrace everything that comes with it. It’s also important to be open to all possibilities and to prepare early to age the way you want in the future.
To help you achieve with dignity and grace this coming 2019, we compiled articles that can help you age happily and safely.
Are You Prepared for the Long-term Care Crisis?
Many Americans today will live long enough until they are in their 80s 90s or even older than that. But they will most likely require help in carrying out Activities of Daily Living or ADLs such as eating, bathing, and dressing.
The cost of help to carry out these activities is not a joke. As a matter of fact, it can deflate your retirement savings. Based on Genworth’s cost of a stay in a private nursing home is $100,375 annually.
Here are other facilities and their corresponding estimate costs.
To understand this clearly, Michelle Singletary shared her experience in needing care. Her recent fall highlighted an issue that needs to be addressed right away – accepting help to avoid more problems later. Also, long-term care crisis is not just about the cost but it’s also about the caregiving strain being put on family members.
Related: Top Solutions to Aging and Long-Term Care Crisis
Maintaining Dignity: A Survey of LGBT Adults Age 45 and Older
According to an older LGBT adult study by AARP, 3 in 4 LGBT adults who are 45 and older are concerned about having enough support from family and friends as they get older and the treatment they will receive inside long-term care facilities.
Another concern of older LGBT adults today is increasing their risk of isolation as they get older. Although there are around 53% of gender-expansive or transgender have children and grandchildren, this group less likely considers their family, straight or gay friends and neighbors as their personal support network.
Finding health care providers is another issue that the older LGBT community should focus on. In fact, the survey revealed that many older LGBT adults prefer long term care providers who welcome the LGBT community. Around 88% said they would feel more comfortable with providers who are trained in LGBT patient needs, 86% feel comfortable to providers who use advertising to highlight LGBT-friendly services, 85% are comfortable when some staff members are also LGBT and 82% are comfortable with facilities that have LGBT-welcoming signs.
4 Ways to Alleviate Senior Loneliness and Depression
Nurse Next Door’s article highlights four effective ways that can foster staying healthy, being happy and pursuing success as you age. There should be a balance between mental and physical well being. Aside from physical health and dementia-prevention, seniors also struggle with depression and loneliness.
To alleviate loneliness and depression, here’s a list of tools and activities that can promote senior wellness.
- Having hobbies and learning something new
- Technology, accessories & other resources
- Adopt a pet
- Family and friend support
Read: 5 Strategies for Growing Old and Alone
Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Older Adults’ Health?
According to recent estimates, the age of residents 65 and up increased from 35 million in 2000 to 49.2 million in 2016. As more people live longer, the number of people with chronic conditions or diseases will increase as well.
Scientists and researches respond to this impending need by working on how to increase health spans – the length of time a person remains healthy – through innovations such as artificial intelligence or AI.
But can AI help in improving the lives of the aging population?
The market of AI is flourishing right now especially in the health industry wherein products and services help aging individuals manage their health, which can reduce the burden of illnesses and expensive health care and long-term care costs.
But despite its popularity and efficiency in helping people age with dignity, it has some drawbacks and risks t like connectivity can make older people grow closer to their loved ones but AI can also alienate them from reality since it cannot become a substitute for human interactions.
10 Immune System Boosters for Seniors
Staying healthy is the key to living longer. But how can you stay healthy during cold and flu season?
A Place For Mom has shared 10 tips that can boost the immune system of seniors. According to WebMD and Harvard Medical School, this list can help their senior loved ones get through the cold and flu season.
- Herbal supplements or multivatimins
- Exercise
- Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet
- Sleep
- Reduce stress
- Get vaccinated
- Stay positive
- Stay hydrated
- Eat superfoods
- Wash hands
The Bottom Line
The key to aging with dignity and living the way you want is by accepting the fact that you’re going to get old soon. But that’s not enough because you need to plan for your future needs, take care of your health and aging with dignity but without becoming a burden to your loved ones.