Practical Golden Years Guide For Aging In Place
Aging In Place In Your Golden Years And Downsizing
Independent Living In Our Own Homes & How Downsizing Can Help
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Foreword:
The senior population of Canada in 2023 is about 20% of the nation’s total. It is estimated that the percentage will double in the next twenty years. By the same token, the US senior population is about 18%. Whereas Japan has the world highest senior population of over 30%. These number will rise drastically in the next 20 years.
Governments are encouraging us to age in place which is the least costly way to live our retirement years for us and our country. Furthermore, after the first deadly waves of the Covid pandemic, some of us are telling the governments that keeping seniors in lockdown just didn’t work. The problem is, our system is full of holes and this blog aims to point them out and offer ways to fix them.
About The Blog And Its Author:
I’m Po Ku, a 74-year-old retired builder. I’ve designed and built houses since 1975. I graduated with B.Arch. in 1977 from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and became a registered architect in Alberta in 1980. Here at The Seniors’ Blog, we want to help seniors live on their own and stay comfortable in their homes. To achieve that, both you and your home must be in relatively good shape for a long and happy life.
Why You Should Read This Blog:
The blog offers simple tips on aging in place, senior health, home upkeep, downsizing, minimalism, and technology for seniors. If you’re 55 or older, now is the time to act. Therefore, being prepared is important! If you’re an empty nester who hasn’t thought about aging in place, this blog will make you think.
Before making a decision – whether to buy, build, or renovate, read this blog first. Otherwise, managing your home will become overwhelming. You might end up moving to an apartment or retirement home too soon. In any case, the move may not be right for you if you favor privacy, personal space, and living on your own.
A Few Words From The Author:
“Please note that this blog has no commercial interest whatsoever. I am only here to share my experiences with you. Over time, I’ve seen many avoidable problems in homes, especially for seniors. It is true that we can get set in our ways, but small changes may make a big difference. Think of this blog as friendly advice from one senior to another.” – Po Ku
Table Of Content:
Post Titles as shown at the top of page Menu Bar, click the post name below to go the post you want to read.
Seniors Help – Help and Support:
Access an useful list of resources and supports available for seniors to help you aging in place. How to navigate our healthcare system.
Home Service Guide – Finding Tradesmen:
Learn how to find trusted workers for home repairs and maintenance. Monthly home service schedule. What to look out for in and around your house.
Saving Money – Maximizing Value and Minimizing Cost:
Learn how to get the most value out of your budget while reducing costs on home repairs and daily living.
Cluttered or Sparse – Materialism vs Minimalism:
Explore the benefits of minimalism and how it can enhance your quality of life as a senior in our golden years. Why we became materialistic. How things we own can become a great burden at our age. Guide to downsizing.
Notion of ‘House’ – Rethinking Home Design:
Challenge traditional views of home design and discover new ideas for creating a better living environment.
Ideal House Plans – Designing Sensible Homes:
Understand the importance of designing homes and neighbourhoods that cater to seniors and promote community living. The need for downsizing.
Technology Can Help – How Seniors Can Benefit:
Stay updated on the latest tech that can make life easier and safer, like “service robots”, in home monitoring and more.
Age Inclusive Neighbourhoods – The Future Of Our Community:
Find out about age-friendly neighborhood design and how they can make your life better. We need everyone’s help to make this happen, including city councils, politicians, planners, and seniors like us.
Why Do We Love Our Homes?
Since we’re used to living independently in our own homes most of our lives, we’ve grown attached to that way of living.
Life’s journey often begins in the bustling confusion of a family home, surrounded by parents and siblings. This vibrant chapter is filled with shared moments and crowded spaces. In time, we venture out, forging our own paths and creating new families. Our homes then echo with the laughter of children, growing and learning. Eventually, they spread their wings, leaving us in the quietude of an empty nest.
Life’s cycle leads us to solitude, as we find ourselves alone in spaces once filled with loved ones. Although we know that living alone in the familiar house is not forever, there’s a deep-seated desire to cherish and cling to this sanctuary of independence for as long as we can. Let’s explore all aspects of aging in place in our own homes, including rebuilding our house on our own lot to suit our needs.
But Are Our Houses Suitable For Aging In Place?
The simple answer is No. Houses are built not with seniors in mind but for other purposes and real estate value.
Making a home friendly for aging is not easy. Traditional designs often miss the mark for our needs in our later years. As a result, features like steep stairs, big yards, and hard-to-use spaces can make a home difficult to live in as we age. And the governments have made laws to make sure we stick to building homes this way. Yet, there is hope. With creative design, smart tech, and planning, we can rethink these spaces.
For instance, simple changes, like adding grab bars in bathrooms and changing layouts for better access, can make a big difference. Therefore, homeowners should make these changes as soon as they become empty nesters living in large houses. Plus, downsizing should happen sooner rather than later, since most houses are not built with seniors in mind. This article in the Globe and Mail illustrates the point.
Healthy You, Healthy House
To stay in your home as long as possible, keep yourself relatively healthy, maintain your home and yards, and have enough money to support your lifestyle. First, regular yearly check-ups are important. They can help spot and stop health problems early. Running a home takes a sound mind and body, which is needed for aging in place.
Moreover, know where to get help when you need it. Phone numbers and helplines are listed in Seniors Help to help you find your way. Because our national health system isn’t perfect, there are tips to help you find a family doctor and avoid emergency rooms.
‘Aging in place’ is more than just a mindset. Keep your body, mind, and home in shape to ‘live long and prosper’. This brilliant short video is a good place to start.
Is Aging In Place In Our Golden Years Worth It?
Some might ask why we try so hard to stay in homes that don’t meet our needs anymore. In reality, our connection to our homes goes beyond the building itself. For instance, our roots are deeply set in our neighborhood—the familiar faces, the streets we’ve walked for years, the trees we’ve seen grow, and the local pets and parks create a special place. We don’t want to lose all that in our golden years.
Homes are more than just buildings; they are sanctuaries. In these spaces, we can be with friends and family at our own pace, doing what we love, like gardening, cooking, reading, or listening to music. Also, they let us care for pets and enjoy hobbies. Not only do they offer a base for us, but also freedom for us and our pets to roam, giving us the independence we cherish.
Undoubtedly, retirement or nursing homes have their place in society, but moving to them too soon might not be the best choice. Sometimes, this move can feel forced. Looking at other options for aging in place can help us keep our way of life for as long as possible. Read what the current status is for aging in place.
Let’s Not Be Hasty
I encourage you to explore my blog series to consider these issues further and to think about all the possibilities before making such a life-altering decision. There are options that you may not know about. It’s no more complicated than planning an extensive trip. And planning here is crucial and necessary. The following are the most common complaints heard after people moved from their own homes for good:
- I can hear my neighbors all the time.
- Playing music is no longer an option.
- Turning my hi-fi on loud enough is impossible.
- My workshop is something I miss dearly.
- Going outside without bumping into someone I know is awkward.
- My own backyard and garden are things I deeply miss.
- Privacy feels like a distant memory.
- There’s not enough space for my hobbies.
- The common areas feel impersonal
- It’s nothing like having my car nearby.
- Living under constant guard is very odd indeed.
- The peace and quiet of my own home are what I miss the most.
- Both me and my pets miss being close to the street and neighbourhood.
Designed For Aging In Place / Independent Living : Multipurpose Space In A Compact House
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Disclaimer
The information provided on this website, including but not limited to suggestions related to home safety, lightening personal possessions, and house maintenance, is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
By using this website, you agree that:
- You are solely responsible for ensuring the safety of your home environment. Our recommendations are provided as general suggestions, and we encourage you to consult with qualified professionals (e.g., electricians, contractors, or security specialists) before undertaking any actions or making changes that may impact the safety or structure of your home.
- Any guidance on organizing or reducing personal possessions is based on general principles. Individual circumstances may vary, and we recommend seeking the advice of professional organizers or counselors if needed. We are not responsible for any unintended outcomes from following such advice, including emotional or psychological impacts.
- You should perform routine house maintenance only to the extent you feel competent to do so. For any tasks beyond your skill level, we strongly advise hiring qualified tradespeople. We are not liable for any injuries, property damage, or other issues that may arise from attempting suggested tasks.
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Please consult with professionals where necessary and take personal responsibility for the actions you choose to implement in your home.