Aging In Place – Is It Right for You?

As we get older, we inevitably need to ask ourselves the question: Is aging in place the right thing to do?

In some cases, the answer is yes. If we are able-bodied, and if we can live independently, then these are reasons why we might choose to stay at home.

On the other hand, we may need to consider long term senior care, or, alternatively, consider moving in with a family member. If health problems arise, it might make sense to delegate our care needs to others.

So, what is right for you? Even if you are not ready to make this decision at this time, it is beneficial to at least begin to think about it.

To find the right answer for you, considering the pros and cons. We will list some of them here to fuel your thoughts. It is important to use these as guidance, and seek advice where necessary, but to do what is right for you.

Aging In Place: The Pros

Staying in your home provides a sense of familiarity.

Many people choose to age in place because they don’t want to leave their familiar surroundings. The very idea of living elsewhere can be off-putting to them. We aren’t just talking about staying in your home. Some people are reluctant to leave the town or village they’ve lived in for years.

The same might be true for you. If you are happy in your own surroundings, you may prefer not to move somewhere that is completely new. A sense of familiarity might be important to you, especially when it offers a sense of safety, comfort, and security.

It can also give you the opportunity to live independently.

Many of us value our independence. We enjoy coming and going from our homes as we please. And we prefer to manage our own lives without the interference of others. By staying put, we can live our lives as we normally do, and continue to play by our own rules.

If you value your independence, this may be the right option for you. If you do not have health concerns requiring care, aging in place will allow you to maintain your usual lifestyle. And you will be able to continue your life without others telling you what to do.

Aging in place can be good for your mental health.

If you are able to function at home, there should be little reason to consider any alternatives. Studies suggest there are psychological benefits to aging in place. These include a reduced chance of depression, as you won’t have to make any drastic changes that could affect your mental state.

Now, aging in place can also be bad for your mental health, but we will get to that in a moment. It depends on your circumstances, of course, so you will need to weigh the pros and cons of your particular situation. However, there are clear benefits to staying at home, so read the previously linked article to learn more.

Aging In Place: The Cons

You might struggle to manage the upkeep of your home.

When you’re fighting fit and full of energy, you will be able to manage the upkeep of your home quite well. Sure, there will be times when you might need the help of others, such as repair jobs, but this applies to all of us.

Over time, however, managing a home might become more challenging for you. Physical work, such as vacuuming, grocery shopping, gardening, and running errands, may start to wear you down. When you start to neglect the home maintenance tasks that you once managed easily, costly problems may develop. In addition, some tasks may be a burden, especially when you’re too tired to cope. And as a result, the condition of your home may deteriorate.

Of course, there are home help services available, if your budget allows for the additional expense. However, when things do become too much for you, then living elsewhere could be better for you. Elsewhere, you won’t have to pay for home help, and you won’t have to tire yourself out physically or mentally.

Feelings of loneliness and isolation may set in.

It’s an inevitable fact of life that, as we get older, we lose the people around us. We might lose a partner, leaving a huge gap in our lives. We may also lose our friends and neighbors, not only through death but because they have chosen to move, due to age and health-related issues.

According to studies, a third of seniors experience loneliness regularly, and this can lead to serious health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and heart conditions. For this reason, you might decide to move into an assisted living community or another type of senior care facility. You might also decide to move in with family members if they suggest it. In this way, you would benefit from the company of others and feel less isolated.

Aging in place could be a health and safety risk.

As we get older, our homes become ever more hazardous. As our mobility starts to change, and we become less steady on our feet, falls are more likely. Even such things as climbing the stairs and getting out of the bath can be difficult. Thankfully, there are things we can do to stay safe at home. We can pay for safety renovations, and we can make the effort to exercise so as to stay fit and mobile.

However, there could be a time when we have to accept that we are at risk. If you get to the point where your health and wellbeing are in danger, you might want to consider alternative living accommodation.