The quest to age-in-place has many facets. Unfortunately “age” is the key word in the concept, and it doesn’t set well with many of us. We all want to age successfully, and we all want to be independent, but at the same time we can’t help feeling that ageing is something that happens to other people. It’s called denial. Denial is what makes seniors reject the idea of home modifications, hiring help, nutritional supplements, and exercise programs that could make life safer and easier.
Look around your house with a critical eye, forget the memories associated with each nook and cranny and really look. The first time I did this I lived in a two-story, split-level house that was a disaster waiting to happen. I’ve moved twice since then, for various reasons, but believe me, the last two were one-story houses that had an eye to the future.
It makes sense doesn’t it, so what’s the hold up? You probably need a little time to mull the pros and cons associated with even a modest makeover, but don’t take too long, don’t wait until something catastrophic happens.
Everyone thinks that heart attacks and falls happen to other people. A few years ago, in that first house, I got up from a chair. When sock clad feet hit the slippery hardwood floor, well you know. Two days later a friend told me that she slipped on the ice while making her way to the mailbox. We were lucky to get away with a few bruises, but another friend wasn’t so lucky. She slipped in her kitchen and went down hard.
All three of us were a little older than we wanted to be, were healthy, and were without impairment. What happened? It turned out that our home sweet home wasn’t as safe and comforting as we thought. One in three seniors will suffer a fall this year. Know ahead of time that you might be one of them.
Your house can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Unfortunately it is often the latter. Be realistic. Don’t let a preventable catastrophe be the deciding factor in your future.
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