In the United States, 47 million adults—more than 14 percent of the population—are 65 or older. Many older adults are able to enjoy a high quality of life even while facing a variety of age-related challenges. Read on to learn which factors are essential for the wellbeing of seniors.
Health
The National Council on Aging reports 75 percent of older adults live with at least one chronic health condition. As the body ages, the musculoskeletal structure often deteriorates, which may lead to arthritis or other problems that can cause physical impairment. Organ systems become less efficient and may malfunction.
Statistics indicate older adults are typically able to adapt to health issues. However, making healthy lifestyle choices can enable seniors to be more productive and live longer. Older adults need to make healthy dietary choices that provide the fuel they need while helping them maintain an appropriate weight. Healthcare providers also recommend seniors get a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise weekly to boost their balance, flexibility, and strength.
Many seniors benefit from having the help of professional caregivers with training and experience in nutrition and exercise for aging adults. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Miami families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Financial Stability
Statistics indicate one third of seniors don’t have retirement savings, and more than half of all older adults have less than $10,000 in savings. Without adequate retirement resources, seniors may not be able to afford sufficient healthcare. Social security benefits may help seniors pay for monthly expenses, and older adults should consider evaluating additional programs provided by local, state, and federal agencies.
Social Relationships
When surveyed, older adults reported the relationships they have with spouses, adult children, and grandchildren play an important role in their wellbeing. Some seniors may not live close to their families but have friends in the community who make up their social circles.
According to 2017 census data, 28 percent of elderly citizens live alone. Without family or friends, seniors may become isolated. Isolation has the potential to cause depression and anxiety, which may lead to physical ailments. Family members need to stay in close touch with their aging loved ones and encourage them to become active in their communities.
For families living in Miami, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, 25 percent of adults over the age of 65 experience falls. Falls remain one of the leading reasons seniors experience injuries, many of which can be fatal.
Family members can increase their loved ones’ safety by removing clutter from pathways inside and outside the home. Remove area rugs unless they’re adhered to the floor. Bathtubs and showers should have nonslip surfaces and grab bars that can help seniors maintain their balance. The home should have proper lighting, which can prevent tripping and falling in the dark.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
