First Edition
This is the first edition of the Monthly Aging-in-Place Newsletter. It will hopefully be available online soon. I am a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, a program sponsored by the National Homebuilders Association. A CAPS is a professional trained in meeting the needs of older adults largely by assisting with aging in place home and yard renovations. But I want to be more than grab bars in the bathroom and expensive home remodeling. There are a lot of simple, low-cost things senior homeowners can do. One thing I won’t be reporting on is the latest longevity drug or supplement.
I am also in the Master Gardener program. I believe that maintaining that connection to nature is a key element in maintaining a healthy life, and there are things that can be done to reduce the physical demands in maintaining a beautiful and productive environment.
Let me know your thoughts and ideas on how to make this newsletter more helpful. And no, I won’t sell or give away your email address.
Illinois County to install “lock boxes” for seniors most vulnerable to medical emergencies
1. The Knox County TRIAD is working to install lock boxes with keys to the premises for those most at risk of a medical emergency. First responders can then quickly access those keys when they reach the residence.
Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Kimberley Jenkins said “It’s fabulous because they’re not waiting around for someone to show up with a key, they’re not having to bust a door down or break a window and so it’s very time-efficient.” The keys are hidden behind a keypad, (similar to what real estate agents use) which only the resident and police dispatch have the code for. When needed, first responders get the code directly from dispatch, so the code can remain secret.
I’ve had several people tell me, you know, I’m not locking my door at night sometimes, because I need people to get in because I live alone,” said Jenkins. Combination lock boxes for keys cost as little as $40.
My local town- Culpeper, VA, does have a lock-box system, so I think they are pretty common but you might check to see if there is a free option in your community.
File of Life- List of meds and other info for first responders
2. I was speaking to a fire dept. captain recently about lock boxes but he told me what might be even more helpful is to have a list of medications and other pertinent information easily available for first responders. This is especially helpful for people living alone. The File of Life non-profit has a questionnaire you can fill out and put in an envelope with a “File of Life” sticker to go on it and left on the refrigerator where first responders will know to look for it.
How to live alone safely: 8 tips from calm.com to get used to living by yourself
3. Living alone can present various dangers, particularly for seniors, including increased risks of accidents, medical emergencies, social isolation, and negative health impacts. These dangers can also be exacerbated by factors like cognitive decline, poor mobility, and difficulties in managing daily tasks.
To mitigate risks associated with living alone, prioritize safety measures like installing a security system, improved lighting, and considering a dog or cat or tenant for companionship. Additionally, stay connected with family and friends, explore your neighborhood, and prepare for emergencies.
Alternatives to Owning that Car
4. While the subject of giving up the car keys, loss of freedom to go where you want at any time, economics should be a key consideration. For many seniors, the high cost of buying, insuring, and maintaining a car can be prohibitive. Most seniors drive less than younger people, making the cost per mile higher. But there are alternatives such as public transportation and ride-sharing. And while a taxi may seem expensive, the cost is offset by not having to pay an avg of $9000/yr (AAA) to have that car. Imagine what you could do with an extra $9000? And while seniors are only slightly less likely to have an accident per mile driven, those accidents tend to be more deadly.
One innovative solution is Independent Transportation Network affiliates are currently operating in 13 states that allows adults age 60 and older to purchase a membership for $50, which allows them to schedule local rides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for any reason.
For more on alternatives to owning a car see Why Older Americans Should Give Up Their Cars from AARP.
The importance of lighting in reducing falls
5. Adequate lighting significantly reduces fall risk by improving visibility and allowing individuals to better identify potential hazards and maintain balance. It enhances depth perception, reduces the likelihood of tripping or missteps, and supports the visual system’s role in posture control.
It’s helpful that today we have LED lights that are cheap to buy and operate and don’t cause heat during hot weather. I keep a lamp on 24/7 that lights my stairs so if I have to go downstairs at night I never have to fumble around for the light switch or try to go downstairs in the dark. I also use battery-operated motion detector LED lights in hallways or seldom used rooms.They’re under $10 and last a long time because they only come on for a few minutes when they detect motion. If you can see that obstruction on the floor, it’s less likely to cause a fall. Adequate outdoor lighting on sidewalks, steps, and entrances is also important.
6 Practical Tips on Lighting for Reduced Fall Risk from scienceoffalling.org
The importance of walking as much as you can
6. So-called Blue Zones are regions in the world where people have exceptionally long lives due largely to lifestyles combining physical exercise, diet, and certain social factors. Walking and other regular exercise are a natural part of daily life. The health benefits of walking cannot be overstated. But no one has to run a daily marathon to benefit from walking. Start slow. Studies have found that people who walk their dogs tend to live longer. And when you walk you often see things you miss when driving, like the chance to greet a friend, or a new neighbor, or my favorite- a new flower I’ve never seen. And it’s free. I’ve long said “I’ve never taken a walk that I regretted. It’s exercise even if you don’t even think of it as exercise.
Why Is Walking the Most Popular Form of Exercise? from Heart.org.
The next best thing to walking can be stretching
7. While walking is a great form of exercise, stretching is also crucial for overall health and well-being. Stretching helps improve flexibility, range of motion, and reduces muscle soreness, all that help reduce falls. And you don’t have to have to go to Yoga class or even need a mat. I’ve been doing 3 different stretches from a standing position, morning and night for several months now and I can feel the difference. It’s just getting easier. Hopefully, I’ll do more in the future.
And an important point. When starting a new good habit, making it easy. It’s much easier to start and maintain a habit if it’s short and easy to do. You can always do more but starting with an easy regimen will make it more likely you’ll stick with it.
Here’s more on the importance of stretching from Harvard Health.
Supplementing income options for seniors
7. Lack of having enough money for basic necessities is a big problem for millions of people. Seniors are no exception and often find barriers to employment and income options younger people don’t face. I’m in the same boat. But you can’t make it to 70 and not have a number of valuable skills still in demand. Some examples are light household repairs, dog walking, tutoring, writing, crafts, consulting, babysitting, the list is long. Just start by making your own list of things you’ve done in the past. Talk to friends. This doesn’t mean 9-5, five days a week. But could provide some valuable extra income, a sense of purpose, and appreciation from others. For more on this check this link from Indeed for part-time jobs for seniors. You can refine it to jobs near you. But many jobs can be done remotely, so cast a wide net. But even if it’s not remote, it can give you some ideas about types of jobs you hadn’t considered, but that’s in demand. I’d like to hear from others about how you are supplementing your income, even in a small way.
Lack of Mobility and Agility Doesn’t mean having to give up Gardening. Elevated Raised Beds may help.
8. Six years ago I moved from a 176 acre farm to a townhouse with a backyard of about 176 sq. ft. So I built elevated raised beds and I’ve been able to keep gardening and with space underneath for storage. I have something growing literally all year round. Elevated beds can be made so that a wheelchair can fit under, greatly extending reach. Even a table with large containers on top can work just as well. Making one takes only minimal carpentry skills or there are plenty available either locally or online. I even made one with wheels that I could roll into nursing homes. Elevated beds can be placed just outside the back door or even on an open back deck for easy access. I’m in a Master Gardener program so I will be reporting on gardening and landscaping in every issue.
Here’s a link from gardeners.com for more on elevated garden beds or just check Google.
When is it time to use a cane and what type?
9. Canes are already a $1B industry and given demographic projections, it will continue to grow. When will you or someone you know need that additional support and stability while walking due to pain, weakness, balance issues, or other mobility problems. The type of cane you choose depends on your individual needs and the specific nature of your mobility challenges. Canes can help prevent falls by increasing stability and balance.
One mid-80s friend uses a cane but also sometimes uses walking sticks like what you might see on a hiking trail. I remember using a walking stick while hiking on uneven ground. It gave me a lot more confidence especially as I grew tired.
Here’s a link from the Cleveland Clinic about how and when to use a cane. You may not need one right away and when you do, you might not need it all the time. And you might be able to encourage your sometimes unsteady friend to give one a test drive.
Issues related to aging-in-place aren’t just in the US
10. Ever since I was young and my father worked for the Voice of America, I’ve always had an international perspective. So I want to include at least one story each month from a foreign country.
Japan has the highest percentage of their population over 65. Compounding the problem is they have the lowest percentage of people age 20-64 compared to those over 65 to do caregiving. Yet 90% want to continue living at home rather than an assisted living facility.
We can learn a lot from other countries that are facing an increasingly older population even more pronounced than here in the US. Here is a good overview from TheGerontechnoligist.com of how Japan is facing these challenges: “First Impressions From A Visit To The World’s Most Rapidly Aging Nation”.