The art of aging in place

Planning ahead can make aging in place a little easier

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.” To age in place gracefully, start thinking about what help you may need in the future. You may not need this help right now, but planning ahead can help you or your family keep living your fullest life.

Tips for your daily life

Talk to your doctor about your health

Start by listing any long-term health challenges or changes to your health that you or your family members might have. Talk to your doctor about how these issues might affect your activities at home as you age. You should be prepared to change your home, if necessary.

Know the ins and outs of your home

• Make sure at least one entrance to your home doesn’t have any steps – this will make entering and leaving the house easier. Also considered covered entrances. They can protect you and your guests in rainy or snowy weather.
• Add grip bars in the bathroom and shower and use a non-slip bathmat. Installing a walk-in shower so that you don’t have to step over a tub wall can help prevent falls.
• Assess your room layouts and make them easier to navigate. Make storage accessible with pullout shelves and open shelving. Doors with lever hardware instead of knobs are easier to use when your hands are full, injured or arthritic.
• Install brighter lights to make it easier to see. Use nightlights on a timer or motion sensor to help you move with ease in your home at night.
• Watch out for tripping hazards like cords, small tables or elevated floor levels. You may want to remove loose rugs or add a non-slip back to make sure they stick to the floor.

Keep track of contacts

Keep a large-type printed list of family and healthcare provider phone numbers and list your medications. This can help if you become disoriented or if a caregiver or friend is there in an emergency.

Build your social group

Don’t isolate yourself, especially in winter. Take advantage of activities in your community, like the library or recreational and senior centers. Many community activities are free of charge or have discounts for seniors.

Get more wellbeing tips with Sharecare

As a Blue Cross of Idaho member, you have access to Sharecare, a wellbeing app and tool that can help you eat healthier, lower your stress level and get more active. To get the Sharecare app, visit bcidaho.sharecare.com to create your account, download the app and take the RealAge® Test. Do not download the Sharecare app directly from the App Store or Google Play.

 

Disclaimer: This wellness program is administered by Sharecare, Inc., an independent company that provides health improvement management services to Blue Cross of Idaho members. Sharecare, Inc., does not provide Blue Cross of Idaho products or services and is solely responsible for the health improvement management services it provides.

 

Posted: December 7, 2022