Growing older in one’s home, with some degree of freedom, rather than in a nursing home, is a common phrase in the current aging policy. It is described as “remaining in one’s home, with some level of independence, rather than in a nursing home.” People sometimes assert that they want to “age in place” because it allows them to retain their independence, autonomy, and connection to social support, such as friends and family.
However, this is not supported by the evidence. The option of allowing individuals to stay in their homes and communities for as long as feasible also avoids the more expensive alternative of institutional care, which is preferred by policymakers, health care professionals, and a large number of older adults themselves.
Although most talks on aging in place center on the house, there is increasing awareness, for example, in environmental gerontology, that elements other than the home, such as neighborhoods and communities, are essential in people’s capacity to remain in their current location. The environment in which older people live for a more extended period and with varying levels of functioning may impact health. It may be an environment in which they are more sensitive due to their long-term residency and changing levels of functioning.
Despite the importance of local circumstances and human functional capability, subjective emotions about a neighborhood may be a significant source of pleasure independent of objective measurements of appropriateness or safety. To help people age in place, it is necessary to examine housing choices and transportation, technology like senior medical alert systems, recreational activities, and facilities that encourage physical exercise, social contact, cultural involvement, and continuing education.
Challenges of Aging
Ageism
Ageism and outdated social norms have resulted in older people feeling alone and alienated in rural and urban regions. Our communities’ health and the health of older people both need assistance in becoming and staying actively engaged in their communities.
People are living longer lives, and conventional paradigms of employment and retirement have not kept up. Financing longevity will need the development of new models, technologies, and standards. All required new possibilities for work in older age, further planning and funding care methods, and improved strategies to avoid scams and fraud.
Mobility
Everyday items, houses, and communities that were not initially built with longevity in mind often become impediments to movement, safety, independence, and socialization. Older people place a high value on being safe and mobility.
As individuals age, there is a greater demand for goods, programs, and services to optimize their safety, strength, balance, fitness, independence, and mobility.
Daily Living and Lifestyle
While most older people want to “age in place,” one-third of individuals over the age of 65 need assistance with at least one daily life activity (e.g., eating, bathing, dressing). The development of products and services that assist older people in doing their basic daily activities, nurturing and encouraging their ability to thrive, pursue their interests, and participate in their chosen lifestyles, are both necessary.
Caregiving
Both informal (unpaid) and formal (paid) caregivers offer care for older adults. Both groups are caring for more individuals with greater degrees of understanding and complicated illnesses.
Family caregivers, who are often balancing other family and job obligations and living far away from the care recipient, need more assistance, training, resources, and tools to help them care for their loved ones and themselves.
Care Coordination
The healthcare journey for older people, two-thirds of whom have two chronic illnesses, maybe incredibly complicated and fragmented.
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth most significant cause of mortality in the United States, and it is estimated to cost $1.1 trillion by 2050. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is 33% among individuals over the age of 85, the fastest increasing section of the population. In other words, it’s an illness prevalent in the older generation.
While there is currently no treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, improved tools and services are required to raise awareness, create early prediction and diagnosis methods, enhance cognitive fitness, decrease cognitive decline, and assist carers.
End of Life
Death is unavoidable, but it doesn’t make it simpler to discuss or plan for. Consequently, the last year of life consumes 25% of the Medicare expenditure, and many individuals do not die where or how they wish.
As individuals get older, they confront new difficulties. Ageism, or the stereotyping and prejudice of the old, leads to misunderstandings about their capacities. Families and caregivers need assistance navigating end-of-life choices, having challenging discussions, and ensuring that end-of-life wishes are fulfilled. We think that these are the problems of our time and for all time.
