The United States is a graying nation. Currently, about forty million people are over age 65. By 2030, that number is expected to jump to more than 72 million, representing 19 percent of the population, according to the US. Department of Health and Human Services.
With the quickly growing number of seniors there has come a dialog on aging — namely, the difference in simply getting older versus thriving as you age. Experts say a number of factors play a role in health and overall quality of life for individuals aging in place.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Day-to-day lifestyle choices play a significant role in quality of life as individuals age. Seniors can choose to simply get older as they continue with unhealthy habits like a poor diet, smoking, drinking heavily, and failing to exercise. Or, they can empower themselves and commit to healthy choices like eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly. It’s always a great time to benefit from a healthier lifestyle.
Regular aerobic activity and weight training are critical for maintaining bone and muscle mass that enhances strength and balance, and offsets some of the deleterious effects of aging, experts say. Individuals can age in place by most gracefully by sticking to a program of regular exercise and other healthy habits.
Keeping your mind sharp
After retirement, people may fall prey to some of the bad habits that plague American society overall—like becoming couch potatoes and watching too much TV. Maintaining the healthy habits described above can help ward off cognitive decline, notes Harvard Medical School.
In addition, experts advise that pursuing continuing education can help maintain a healthy memory and focus. Engaging in hobbies, taking classes, volunteering and learning new skills, all can assist in keeping the brain sharp and active. Being curious and creative provides individuals with a self-perception of youthfulness that helps make the most of the aging in place process, as WebMD notes.
Staying social
Maintaining positive social connections serves as powerful medicine as people age, experts say. Studies have shown that individuals who enjoy satisfying social experiences suffer less mental decline related to aging; and staying in touch with loved ones makes seniors feel cared for and loved, research indicates.
Keeping a positive attitude
Perhaps most important for thriving in place versus simply aging in place is maintaining an optimistic, positive outlook. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, author of “Positivity,” has conducted research indicating that to thrive, individuals need a 3-to-1 ratio of positive to negative experiences. Intentionally noticing positive experiences and being receptive to the positive make a difference in overall quality of aging.
Aging in place versus thriving in place
Everyone ages, but it takes effort and commitment to truly enjoy the process. A comprehensive system like IndependaTV™ can serve as a companion to keep an aging loved one on track as they make healthy choices, take steps to keep their brain sharp, maintain important relationships … and find the positive every day.
