The Case for Aging in Place

As we begin this New Year, The Aging Suite would like to remind people of the importance of aging in place.  Simply said, aging in place is as it sounds; it’s the ability to remain in one’s home safely, functionally, and independently as long as possible.  While we know that everyone, for various reasons ranging from financial to health reasons, cannot do this, we believe that many of us want to and can do so with help, tools, strategies, and/or modifications to their homes.  Our mission is to help people who can stay at home safely and independently do so as long as possible by providing them with information and simple and practical tips and tools.

We’ve talked about the concept of aging in place before, but let’s take another look at why this is so important.  In 2006, people 65 and older made up 12% of the US population.  In 2011, Baby Boomers will start turning 65.  It’s estimated that in 2030, the older population will be twice as large as it was in 2000, growing from 35 to 71.5 million.  For people 85 and older, the US census Bureau estimates that that population will grow from 5.3 million in 2006 to 21 million by 2050.  The population is getting older and living longer.  Not only that, but as they age, they want to do so in the comfort of their homes.  An AARP survey stated that 89% of older adults said that they wanted to stay in their current homes as they aged.

In 2004, the leading cause of death in the US for people 65 and older was heart disease, followed by cancer, strokes, chronic respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and influenza and pneumonia.  Among these conditions, heart disease, strokes, cancer, and diabetes are considered chronic diseases and are the most common and costly health conditions.  While we all know that some of these conditions cannot be controlled, other chronic conditions can be modified and/or even prevented with behavioral interventions.  That’s where we come in.

We want to help you by providing you with information about health conditions, aging in place topics, tips, and tools that can help you and/or a loved one to age in place.  We hope that we can continue to provide you with this useful and helpful information in 2010 and we hope to learn from you as well.  Please feel free to comment and share your information, tips, and tools with us.  Follow us on Twitter and fan us on Facebook

Have a great 2010!!

Source:  Older Americans 2008 Key Indicators of Well-Being