A joint study performed by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and the AARP Foundation released earlier this month concluded that the nation is not prepared to meet the housing needs of its aging population. According to the report, the number of adults in the United States aged 50 and over is expected to increase to 133 million by 2030, ballooning over 70 percent since 2000.
Housing plays a major role in the well-being of older adults. The limited supply of homes that can support the activities of daily living, which require being physically accessible and well-located, is a major concern considering the population's overwhelming preference for aging in place. High housing costs can also force a significant number of adults over 80 years old (37 percent) to cut back on other necessities, including health care and retirement savings.
The report notes that the majority of older adults are deciding to age in suburban and other car-dependent locations, which can cause social isolation for care recipients.
"Recognizing the implications of this profound demographic shift and taking immediate steps to address these issues is vital to our national standard of living," Chris Herbert, acting managing director of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, wrote in a release accompanying the report. "While it is ultimately up to individuals and their families to plan for future housing needs, it is also incumbent upon policy makers at all levels of government to see that affordable, appropriate housing, as well as supports for long-term aging in the community, are available for older adults across the income spectrum."
Technological innovation is widely accepted to be the key to supporting our aging population and their decision to forgo institutional care. Home health care technology has advanced significantly in recent years, as Independa's cloud-based software solution evidences.
Independa's innovative caregiving solutions add value for every member within the circle of care while combating social isolation through a unique social engagement solution.
Through an LG television specifically designed with the needs of older adults in mind, care recipients are able to enjoy one-touch access to video chat, family photo and message sharing, games, important appointment reminders and even integrated health information.
Independa's Angela™ user interface is expertly designed to be simple and intuitive for older adults, with bright colors, large font sizes and higher contrast. The system can also be integrated with advanced sensors and other Internet of Things (IoT) related devices to offer a complete home care solution. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a demo.
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