Aging and long term care are the immediate problems of Americans that needs to be addressed today.
The American population is living longer, which is both good news and bad news to Americans. Due to medical advancements, people will most likely live much longer today. Some people would gladly welcome it with open arms because that means more time to spend with families or to do things they’ve always wanted. While others might disdain it due to the hefty price attached to aging.
By 2050, people 65 and up will represent more than 20% of the population, which is known as the silver tsunami. It may seem harmless but the increase in the graying population means an increase in the number of people who are vulnerable to developing conditions and diseases that will require long term care.
To help avert the crisis of living longer and long term care, we took the initiative of compiling helpful articles that can help address these issues. Here are five articles that can provide clever solutions to aging and long term care.
Long Term Care Takes a Devastating Toll on Financial and Emotional Health
This poignant and enlightening article by Andrew Lam shared his and his sibling’s firsthand experience with the cost of aging in America. Both his parents stayed in a high-end assisted living compound in Fremont, California, which costs $14,000 a month.
Andrew and his family can barely pay for the devastating assisted living costs. It would have been worse if not for his father’s long-term care insurance – it is defined as an insurance product responsible for paying for assisted living facilities and other long term care facilities. His parents also relied on their investments, retirement income and Social Security to pay for their care expenses.
To lighten the financial load, Andrew and his siblings doubled as caregivers and health advocates.
Andrew’s account of the high cost of long term care shows a clear picture of the emotional and financial effect of ltc on families. Also, it gives an ultimate lesson of preparing for long term care by buying long term care insurance coverage.
Also Read: Family Caregiving: Coping with Emotional and Financial Toll
A Sibling’s Survival Guide on How to Take Care of Aging Parents
Taking care of an aging parent is both satisfying and heartbreaking. But things get worse when conflicts between siblings arise. Due to the stress of providing care for parents, siblings sometimes find themselves in emotionally charged interactions that can result into estrangement.
Instead of fighting and opposing another sibling should set aside their differences, build much better sibling relationships and avoid conflict in the face of aging parents.
Anne Tumlinson shared a sibling’s survival guide on how to take care of parents like by operating as a team, getting professional help, curbing the bitterness and more.
Monitor the Safety of Your Aging Parents Through Technology
Vsee shares different types of health and home safety alert systems designed to monitor aging parents. This kind of technology can help adult children attend to their jobs and other responsibilities without worrying about their aging parents. Also, it allows parents to age in place and live independently.
Taking care of aging parents and monitoring their daily activities is now possible even when you can’t be with them. Through smart home technology, wearable alert systems, medication management and telehealth, you can now stay on top of their safety and health.
4 Ways Aging Adults Can Remain Active and Healthy
In response to longer life expectancy, Marielle provided helpful tips on how aging adults can remain active and healthy on her blog, LadyMarielle.com.
She highlighted the importance of remaining active and healthy, as they get older. It may seem challenging since the body ages, but there are simple and easy activities that can help the graying population stay in shape and age gracefully such as yoga, massage, swimming and gardening.
Read Next: The Importance of Seniors Keeping Fit & Healthy
Planning for Aging and Long Term Care When You’re Alone
Iona.org, provides programs and services that support adults of all income levels and needs that are aging solo. Through these programs, people who are aging alone or those who lack traditional support systems can now receive help navigating changes in their health and functional ability and to build meaningful relationships through Iona’s program.
Some of Iona’s programs that help people age solo are as follows:
- Take Charge/Age Well Academy – offers workshops and presentations on important topics like legal planning, deciding on housing options whether to age in place or make a move, how to build a social support network and how to pay for long term care.
- Active Wellness Program – encourages social connection through discussions, field trips, films, lunch, and fitness.
- Care Management Services – this is a fee-based service that provides you with individualized guidance as you plan for your future.
Check out our expert roundup about 15 Insider Tips for Independent Senior Living