Aging-in-place is something every senior dreams about, but just wanting it to happen is not enough. What will it take to make sure that you will be able to manage on your own? Adapting your home to meet your needs is always a good idea, but even a well designed house will not save the day if your body lets you down.
People are living longer than they were even one generation ago, but whether they enjoy these additional years or not will depend on how robust and active they are.
Look in the mirror; if you look like a puff of wind could blow you away you could already be classified as a “frail elderly.” Physical frailty is something to be feared. A shuffling unsteady gait, weight loss, fatigue and physical weakness are all signs of physical frailty.
What causes frailty? People who refuse to take care of themselves are setting themselves up for failure. Abuse associated with drinking and smoking are a given but even more serious if coupled with depression, long term medical problems, and/or cognitive impairment. Physical frailty is associated with decreased mobility, falls, and disability.
What are some of the warning signs?
• Do your tire too easily (not a part of normal aging)
• Do you have difficulty walking up a flight of stairs or are unable to walk more than one block
. • Do you have five or more illnesses or are you taking a truckload of pills?
These signs can present themselves long before you reach what you think of as “old age.” Your job is to focus on prevention.
What can you do if you feel that you are spiraling downward?
• Maintain a healthy weight and diet. If you don’t feel like eating or are losing weight unintentionally you should see your doctor.
• Staying active; research indicates that increased physical activity is beneficial for people of all ages, even the oldest of the old.
• Practice fall prevention. Frailty can result from a fall as well as cause one. • Make connections. Relationships can keep you active and socially involved.
• See physician, eye doctor and dentist regularly. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Let your doctor know that you are serious about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and that you are willing to do whatever it takes to keep you in your own home. Accept a referral to a geriatrician (a doctor who specializes in older people) and enroll in a program to improve every day functioning, and then adapt your home and your lifestyle to meet your changing needs. It is never too late to improve your strength, health and well-being.
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