Aging in Place - Where to Start?

The term "aging in place" sounds great, but how do you do it? That question comes up a lot and there is no simple answer. However, I am going to attempt to answer that question in this blog post by listing the actions that should be taken at certain ages in order to age in place.

This list was developed after multiple conversations and interactions with other professionals that also serve seniors. This list refers to healthy individuals who will follow the typical aging progression. Please contact me if you are looking for helpful resources. 717-480-0970.

I would also love your feedback!

Age 55

Start decluttering your home, remove unnecessary furniture and items. Continue to declutter on a regular basis. It will not be likely that you will be physically able to do this task on your own in your later years.

Age 58

Have your medical team organized: primary care doctors, specialists, hearing, vision, wellness, etc. If you have not started to regularly exercise, start now! Hire a personal trainer or join a gym if you have trouble getting motivated. Participate in all preventative care.

Age 60

Obtain an Elder Law Attorney's services in order to organize the legal aspect of aging. This would include a living will, trusts, beneficiaries, and power of attorney (financial and medical). This ensures that your financial assets will support your future planning as you age.

Age 63

If you feel as though your financial assets do not support your future plan to age in place, move to an independent living cottage, or reside at a personal care community, seek out a financial planner that specializes in senior planning. Look for the RICP acronym after their name, it stands for "Retirement Income Certified Professional". You can also check to see if a reverse mortgage or long-term care insurance is right for you.

Age 64

Complete a pre-paid funeral plan of your choosing to ensure your after-death wishes are met and there is not undue financial burden on your loved ones.

Age 65

Choose an appropriate Medicare plan with the guidance of a trusted Medicare consultant. Medicare is too complex to make these decisions on your own, it is also good to revisit your Medicare plan at least every 5 years to make sure it is up to date and accurately represents your current healthcare needs.

Age 70

Aging starts to accelerate and it becomes less safe to do the regular tasks that you are used to doing. Start building your trusted resource list including these skilled trades: handyperson, lawn care professional, house cleaner, pet caregiver, and consider grocery delivery/pickup. Having help for these tasks means more energy to exercise safely and pursue other hobbies.

Age 75

Consult with a home safety expert to ensure that your home is safe based on your current and future healthcare needs. Make modifications and renovations to your home as needed. If you wish to downsize and relocate, then use a senior transition company to help with the very demanding task of moving. Seek out Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES), who are trained to address the real estate market for seniors. If you wish to move to a personal care community, then seek out a senior living advisor, they know all of the details you would want to know to help make your decision making more manageable.

Age 80

Complete a senior rehabilitation driving screen to ensure that you are safe driving during the day and at night. Also, consult with your primary care physician or specialist about driving.

Age 82

Consider allowing a personal care aide into your home to assist with household tasks such as cooking, laundry, bathing, and transportation. Wear a fall detection device that will notify a loved one and emergency responders if you fall.

Age 85

If your health is becoming difficult to manage, consider hiring a medical social worker to keep it all straight.

End of Life

Ensure that hospice care is involved.