Despite all the anti-aging advancements of medicine and OTC products, the aging process is still inevitable for everyone. And with aging comes the introduction and progression of many physical and sometimes emotional challenges that can make life harder to live. “As with anything else in life”, says Susan Nimnuan, Vice President of BrightStar Care Ft. Myers/Naples, “people getting on in their later years should consider making a plan for aging”.
Making an aging plan today is key to living a healthy and happy future life that can include living independently. Financial and geographic decisions should be considered as well as attending to the physical and emotional aspects of aging that can detract from a better quality and independent way of life as one gets older.
Here are some ideas that can be included in an aging plan for anyone:
First things first: legal documents. Getting your legal affairs in order should be the very first task because of their potential impact on your future. Without the basic documents in place, your financial and care needs could get unnecessarily messy. According to Elder Law attorneys, the following forms are a must: durable powers of attorney for healthcare and finances, advanced health care directive, a will and a burial directive. These are fairly common-place decisions that any elder/estate attorney can help complete.
Care options and their costs. While we would all love to think we will stay independent, even the most active and healthy seniors are at risk of developing natural age-related mobility or medical conditions that could require some degree of care. Knowing the costs of that care, and how you will pay for it is a big second ‘to-do’ on the aging plan list. Even a small change in health could impact your long term budget so getting a handle on how your finances align with your aging goals now is a key step.
Home Adjustments. Once of the most overlooked tasks in an aging plan is an assessment of how your living environment positively supports aging in place. For example, furnishings or steep staircases that pose a falling threat should be evaluated for replacement or repair. Other features, like grab bars and walk in shower stalls can be added to the home in anticipation of need.
Other tasks in the aging plan but for more imminent need include:
Transportation. It’s important to be realistic about ability to drive as well as the type of automobile that makes most sense. If you start having trouble getting in and out of your car, for example, it might mean it sits too high or too low and you should consider trading it in for a more suitable sedan. If you have trouble seeing or discerning traffic signs or if your reaction time seems to have slowed it may be important to consider other alternative means of getting around.
A Let’s Go Bag. An overnight bag with a list of essential items and a call list could be included in a bag for a grab and go moment. As time passes, adding the actual items on the list is a good idea to be fully prepared in the event of an emergency.
Some helpful resources:
Administration for Community Living
https://www.naela.org/
Making an aging plan today is key to living a healthy and happy future life that can include living independently. Financial and geographic decisions should be considered as well as attending to the physical and emotional aspects of aging that can detract from a better quality and independent way of life as one gets older.
Here are some ideas that can be included in an aging plan for anyone:
First things first: legal documents. Getting your legal affairs in order should be the very first task because of their potential impact on your future. Without the basic documents in place, your financial and care needs could get unnecessarily messy. According to Elder Law attorneys, the following forms are a must: durable powers of attorney for healthcare and finances, advanced health care directive, a will and a burial directive. These are fairly common-place decisions that any elder/estate attorney can help complete.Care options and their costs. While we would all love to think we will stay independent, even the most active and healthy seniors are at risk of developing natural age-related mobility or medical conditions that could require some degree of care. Knowing the costs of that care, and how you will pay for it is a big second ‘to-do’ on the aging plan list. Even a small change in health could impact your long term budget so getting a handle on how your finances align with your aging goals now is a key step.
Home Adjustments. Once of the most overlooked tasks in an aging plan is an assessment of how your living environment positively supports aging in place. For example, furnishings or steep staircases that pose a falling threat should be evaluated for replacement or repair. Other features, like grab bars and walk in shower stalls can be added to the home in anticipation of need.
Other tasks in the aging plan but for more imminent need include:
Transportation. It’s important to be realistic about ability to drive as well as the type of automobile that makes most sense. If you start having trouble getting in and out of your car, for example, it might mean it sits too high or too low and you should consider trading it in for a more suitable sedan. If you have trouble seeing or discerning traffic signs or if your reaction time seems to have slowed it may be important to consider other alternative means of getting around.
A Let’s Go Bag. An overnight bag with a list of essential items and a call list could be included in a bag for a grab and go moment. As time passes, adding the actual items on the list is a good idea to be fully prepared in the event of an emergency.
Some helpful resources:
Administration for Community Living
https://www.naela.org/