Why Seniors should not Stay and Age in place at Home but Instead Choose a R

Many if not most seniors want to ‘age in place’ at home. But doing so prevents them from moving on and actually enjoying their golden years to the fullest.

Dr. John Claude is a geriatrician with over 15 years of experience helping seniors.

Key Points

85% of Americans over age 65 would like to live in their current homes as long as possible.
But doing so prevents them from moving on and actually enjoying their golden years to the fullest.
Retirement and nursing homes provide an array of services, activities and important social connections.

Seniors all want to age in place, say experts. A recent AARP report shows that 85% of respondents 65 or older wish to stay in their current residences as long as possible.

But the question is why? And is it really worth it?

Of course action is easier than inaction. Staying at home may make seniors feel more at ease – as their “good old selves” among surroundings they are accustomed to. But this usually creates two situations which are problematic.

FIRST: A burden is actually placed upon the children or other family members of the senior. Very important questions need to be asked especially to those without children about such things as who will fill critical roles to help them age at home. These roles include decision-makers for health issues, drivers to doctor appointments if clients are ill or injured, household helpers for routine home maintenance and friends for regular socialization. Often times, these are taking over by the children and family members themselves which creates unnecessary tensions, additional work and a burden on the lives of everyone.

SECOND: Are seniors really more happy at home? When seniors age at home, they are slowly left to themselves and become isolated. They attend social gatherings less frequently and slow down their physical activity. They attend events less frequently and usually end up watching TV most of the time and relying on food and drink as their source of entertainment.

Choose a retirement or nursing home and you’ll be happier!

That’s right! Seniors believe that moving into a retirement or nursing home is the beginning of the end. But that is 100% wrong. In fact the earlier you make the decision to leave your old house and move, the better. Studies have shown that most seniors who move into a retirement home believe they should have moved in earlier and not have waited so long. With all the activities offered such as art and crafts, music, dancing, games, sports, excursions, outings etc. – it’s the beginning of a whole new better chapter of a senior’s life. A second life connected to a community where seniors can experience rich daily social connections that can enhance aging and make life worth living again.