Although the majority of older adults express the desire to retire in their existing home and community, not all areas offer the same support options for aging in place. Although The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) has reported that support services for older adults are making a resurgence in availability, some communities are better prepared to meet the needs of older adults.
The Milken Institute, a non-partisan think tank, set out to help find the communities must supportive of aging in place in their recently release Best Cities for Successful Aging Index. The ranking was based on 84 factors, including affordability, safety, convenience, health care quality, housing options for older residents, community engagement and cultural offerings.
Madison, Wisconsin, took the top spot, for its geriatric health care offerings, walkability and strong local economy. Omaha, Nebraska, was ranked second for its affordable cost of living and great employment and volunteer opportunities. Third place went to Provo, Utah, as it boasts the fewest diabetes cases reported out of all 100 large metros, and a low rate of injuries in older adults.
"With the demographic shift proceeding across America, enabling successful aging could not be more important for our future," Paul Irving, president of the Milken Institute, wrote in the report. "We hope our findings spark national discussion and, at the local level, generate virtuous competition among cities to galvanize improvement in the social structures that serve and empower older adults."
No matter where you or your loved one decides to age in place, certain considerations need to be made. Perhaps foremost is the risk of social isolation, which can have significant negative effects on wellness.
Independa offers a holistic enterprise remote care and social engagement solution. Our software interface Angela™ delivers care via software pre-installed on our LG televisions. Angela™ offers users access to important tools such as video chat, important appointment and medication reminders, games, a community events calendar and more.
Angela™ is expertly designed specifically for older adults with an intuitive layout, larger screen fonts, higher contrast and brighter colors. Its design requires no training or previous technological experience, and is available on the most widely used technology among seniors, the TV.
In conjunction with the Caregiver Dashboard, Angela users have confidence that care is always near. Wireless health devices and home sensors can be easily integrated and monitored by caregivers, allowing peace of mind about the decision to age in place. Contact us today to schedule a demo.
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