Is Aging In Place The Best For Seniors?

An AARP survey found that more than 90% of the seniors who responded wanted to age in place, or stay in their homes as they got older. It’s easy to understand why a senior would rather stay in a familiar place where they are comfortable rather than moving. And there’s a lot to be said for staying in a home filled with family memories. 

But is aging in place the best for seniors? Are there any tangible benefits besides comfort that make it better for seniors to age in place? As it turns out, there are. Some of the benefits seniors get from aging in place are:

Lower Risk Of Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline is something that most seniors worry about, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Seniors who have strong social connections have a 70% slower rate of cognitive decline than seniors who are socially isolated.

Living at home and aging in place can help seniors avoid social isolation because seniors have strong ties to their neighbors and neighborhoods. When seniors are living in the homes they have lived in for decades they have friends on their block and on their street and throughout the neighborhood that they see all time. Those social connections have huge health benefits for seniors. 

Lower Risk of Depression

Depression is something that many seniors struggle with. But seniors who are living at home surrounded by the things they love, including family photos and items that have a lot of great memories, have an easier time managing the symptoms of their depression. Senior that are aging in place also can fight depression more successfully when they can spend time on their porch, or in their yard, or in other familiar outdoor spaces where they feel happy and comfortable. 

Better Health

Aging in place has some significant health benefits for seniors too. Seniors who are living in their own homes can lower their risk of common health problems like high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack when they live at home. It’s also easier for seniors to eat healthy delicious meals at home when they can prepare those meals themselves or with the hhelp of a home care provider. 

Lower Risk Of Loneliness 

Loneliness can be a killer, especially for seniors. Seniors who live at home are less likely to struggle with loneliness. Being in a familiar environment that is filled with happy memories and being in close proximity to neighbors and loved ones can help seniors fight loneliness. With home care providing help to seniors who struggle with household chores seniors can get even more social connection so that they aren’t lonely. 

Aging in place isn’t right for all seniors. Seniors who have serious or complicated medical needs may not feel safe aging in place. But for most seniors aging in place is the best way for seniors to be happy and stay healthy as they get older. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Rancho Murieta, CA please contact the caring staff at Aging Assistant today. (916) 897-4752

Sources:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home

https://leadingage.org/research-projects/aging-place-evidence-matters

https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/learn/civic-community/info-12-2012/the-center-for-aging-in-place-website.html