The Importance Of Healthy Aging in Senior Living

As we grow older, we may face health and physical challenges that affect our ability to live independently. In such circumstances, living at home, especially alone, may not be the safest choice. Fortunately, planning for a more suitable living arrangement in advance can significantly enhance overall quality of life. Keep reading to explore how different types of senior living options can contribute positively to a well-rounded future, and discover the importance of planning for assisted living as part of a smart and healthy aging strategy.

What is Senior Living? 

Senior living is a commonly used term, though somewhat outdated, to describe living environments specifically designed for older adults.

Examples of specialized housing options and facilities for older adults include:

• 55+ residential communities, catering to individuals aged 55 and older, offering separate apartments and access to community activities and amenities.
• Home care, which involves health care or supportive care provided by a professional caregiver within the older adult's existing living space.
• Assisted living facilities, which provide housing options for individuals who may require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing, or bathing, but do not need the intensive medical care offered by a nursing home. Assisted living facilities are sometimes part of retirement communities or other types of senior housing complexes.
• Nursing homes, which offer more intensive skilled nursing and medical care.

What is Healthy Aging? 

Healthy aging involves maintaining an active, healthy, independent, and purposeful life throughout your lifetime. According to Stephen Quaning, M.D., a geriatric medicine specialist with MetroHealth in Orlando, Florida, "To maintain independence, it's important to be proactive in your own home." Proactive behaviors include adhering to prescribed medications for managing chronic conditions, engaging in regular exercise, consuming a balanced diet, limiting alcohol intake, abstaining from smoking, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining social connections. These habits promote overall well-being and good health.

Chronic and progressive diseases such as diabetes and dementia can affect activities of daily living, making it unsafe to remain at home. In such cases, senior living options can become necessary. "Senior living can offer numerous benefits to individuals requiring care, from assistance with daily tasks to access to quality healthcare services onsite," explains Kim Elliot, Chief Nursing Officer at Brookdale Senior Living in Brentwood, Tennessee. "One of the significant aspects enhancing residents' quality of life is the social environment that senior living communities provide."

What are the Social Benefits of Senior Living? 

In a senior living facility, older adults have the opportunity to forge new friendships and build relationships. "Residents may also receive support from compassionate professionals, enabling them to continue growing and evolving in new and exciting ways, according to their own pace and desires," explains Elliot. Living environments tailored for older adults, such as 55+ residential complexes, often provide social support and organized activities that can alleviate feelings of loneliness and lessen the burden on family caregivers.

Determining the Best Living Situation for Your Loved One

"The primary goal for most older individuals is to remain in their own homes for as long as possible," explains Dr. Quaning. Even if they could benefit from the social interactions offered at a senior living facility, staying at home often feels preferable because of its familiarity and established routines. If aging in place is safe for them, Dr. Quaning suggests finding other ways for them to engage with their community. "I encourage my patients who are aging in place to get out and interact with younger people. You have a wealth of knowledge to share about the past and your life experiences, and they have much to teach you about current events," he says.

For those who are unable or unwilling to age in place, a more independent and active form of senior living, such as a 55+ residential community, may be a logical next step. These communities cater to highly functional older adults who prefer to live near peers of similar age. They typically offer services and amenities that go beyond those of a standard apartment complex, including housekeeping and organized social events.

As a person's healthcare needs change, assisted living often becomes the next logical progression from independent living. These facilities provide support for adults who have difficulty with self-care, as well as those experiencing declining health and/or physical abilities, all while helping them maintain their independence. An assisted living facility may offer meal services, assistance with shopping, house or room cleaning, as well as help with medication management and scheduling doctor appointments.

For individuals with memory issues and those requiring assistance with activities of daily living, such as using the bathroom independently, nursing home care is available. Nursing homes provide round-the-clock hands-on assistance and supervision from licensed nurses, as well as three meals a day.

How to Create a Healthy Aging Plan

Old age presents the highest risk for acquiring terminal diseases and disabilities. That's why it's crucial to develop a smart and healthy aging plan in advance. This plan should prepare and support loved ones to receive the best care and home environment should unexpected and serious health issues arise. By doing so, you can help them maintain a valuable sense of control over their lives.

A healthy aging plan ensures that individuals can age safely and comfortably in an appropriate environment, especially as their needs evolve over time. This may involve access to medical and physical care, opportunities for mindful and social engagement, stimulating activities, and options that fit within their budget. It's important to establish this plan early, well before there's an urgent need for assisted living care. Family members, caregivers, and other responsible parties should take the time to plan for the future with their loved ones, actively involving them in the planning process.

1. Consider Personal Wishes

First and foremost, consider whether your loved one is open to the idea of moving to a senior living residence. If not, avoid pressuring them, even if it seems to be in their best interest. Preserving the mental health and autonomy of the aging person is paramount, and the decision should ultimately be theirs to make. "If your loved ones are mentally competent, they have the right to make their own decisions," says Dr. Quaning. "There's only so much you can do."

If your loved one is receptive to the idea of senior living, schedule tours of several facilities. "When exploring the possibility of moving to a senior living community, most people are seeking a place that feels like home," explains Elliott. "During these tours, interact with current residents to get a sense of community, and speak with the care staff to gain a comprehensive understanding of the support and care provided."

2. List Health Conditions

As the challenges of aging tend to increase over time, it's essential to select a setting where your loved one feels they can live comfortably as their needs change. If your loved one is generally healthy, a 55+ community may be suitable for an extended period. However, if they already have complex medical needs, a nursing home may be a more suitable option.

3. Assess Physical Abilities

If your loved one can still manage activities of daily living such as feeding themselves and using the bathroom independently but requires assistance with tasks like medication management, house cleaning, or meal preparation, an assisted living environment is likely the most suitable option. Their next housing choice should be able to meet their current needs and accommodate the likely progression of their needs in the future.

4. Plan in Advance

As mentioned earlier, it's essential to start planning for healthy aging early. "If your loved one has maintained independence and good health into their later years, they likely followed a lifestyle that supported their well-being," explains Dr. Quaning. Encourage them to continue these healthy behaviors and consider adopting new ones that motivate them and promote overall well-being.

When incorporating a senior living residence into your healthy aging plan, it's crucial to assess your finances. Room and board in such comprehensive care facilities are rarely covered by insurance, including Medicare. Only long-term nursing home care is covered by Medicaid for those who cannot otherwise afford it. Therefore, most older adults need to rely on their savings to cover the costs associated with senior assisted living care.

If your loved one is still employed and generally in good health, it may be beneficial to talk to them about the advantages of long-term care insurance. This can provide them with more options for senior living later in life. "My wife and I are in our early 50s, and we've already begun paying for long-term care insurance because we've seen the challenges our patients face," explains Dr. Quaning.

Ultimately, it's never too late to create a healthy aging plan. The earlier you start, the better your quality of life will be when assisted living care becomes necessary.