Letting Go of Clutter: Why Many Seniors Struggle

Marita Ellers* was lucky. Her parents lived three blocks away in Greater Detroit. She enjoyed a close relationship with them and could tend to their needs as they continued to age, which was well into their 90s. They both passed away when Marita entered her 60s as she helped with their hospice care needs. But having never married, and with only a chronically ill brother and sister-in-law living in Seattle, reality set in when Marita needed major surgery which would incapacitate her for weeks or possibly months.Unlike her parents who had her to depend on, Marita had no one. Of course there was her circle of friends, but as it turned out most were married. Shed never thought about cultivating relationships with single people; it had just never occurred to her. Her married friends had busy lives of their own with spouses, adult children, and grandchildren, and the last thing Marita wanted to do was impose on them during a long recuperation.Ellers is part of a growing trend of elder orphans and solo agers: individuals ages 55-plus who live alone without a spouse, partner, children, or other family around at all, or if they are around, they cannot be relied upon sometimes due to family dynamics. In short, these individuals have no real support networkno safety net. In a survey of 500 elder orphans, nearly 70 percent hadnt identified someone to help them with health problems, while 35 percent had no friends or family to begin with who could help.Studies show the demographics numbers are on the rise and the group is so ubiquitous, it even has its own Facebook page with nearly 10,000 members to provide support through shared experiences. If you fall into this category, what are some of the steps you can take to prepare for successful aging?Planning to Live as a Solo AgerThe best kind of plan for almost anything is, naturally, to plan. If we dont do that, we may leave critical decisions to disconnected relatives, acquaintances, or ultimately overburdened, court-appointed strangers who have no idea what we need and want. Considering herself staunchly independent, Maritas lack of planning was twofold: she was in denial about her own aging process, and at the same time she figured the experience of seeing her parents through lifes end stages would enable her to apply all that knowledge to herself if the time came.While in some respects her experience puts her a step ahead of many of her contemporaries, her reasoning does not allow for what can happen when her mobility is compromised, cognitive capacity is diminished, or myriad other conditions where she may need more help than she can give to herself. Maritas upcoming surgery was a wake-up call, making her acutely aware of what steps she should have taken and scrambling to put as many as possible in place.Understand the Levels Between Senior Independence and Assisted LivingYesface things and research them, laying them out as early and comprehensively as you can. Avoidance will only get you so far. The antidote for anxiety, feeling isolated, and depressionthree issues elder orphans and solo agers have expressed are problems for themis action. Goethe said, Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid. Keren Brown Wilson, known as the pioneer of assisted living, says there are many steps and levels between independence and dependence. She recommends interdependence: a mutual reliance on one another on the path to better aging.Think about trained caregivers for when you may need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and a fiduciary or senior care advisor for your financial needs including Long-Term Care insurance. Go out and cultivate friendships if you dont already have them with other elder orphans or solo agers. People in similar situations may have more time to give you if the need arises, as you can give to them.Build a Senior Support Network That WorksIf you dont know how to go about something, network with people in your community. This may include professionals and others you know at work, where you volunteer, doctors, dentists, lawyers, librarians, teachers, salon and store owners, as well as neighbors. We all age and ahead of that most of us have aging parents or had parents who got up in years. That kind of personal experience is invaluable in terms of recommending others they trust who can help you put things in order now and down the line.Communities for Successful AgingGet Involved!With the rising tide of graying Baby Boomers, city and business leaders and policymakers need to embrace the task of developing solutions for better aging. This needs to be done on a nationwide basis. Elder orphans and solo agers are affected at even deeper levels than their counterparts who are surrounded by family and friends in a position to help. In some locations, there are more resources already in place in the realm of affordable transportation, technology training, respite care, senior advocacy, nutrition oversight, and home health care. But we have a long way to go.If you are an elder orphan or solo ager looking for involvement in your own community, turning your attention to the cause can bring awareness and even expedite results from which everyone can benefit.(* Name has been changed for purposes of anonymity.)

Until 100 years ago, many people never traveled more than 10 miles from the home in which they were born or lived in when they got married, which was usually down the street or the next farm over. Families remained grouped together for many reasons, including having emigrated from a foreign country and starting a new life together. There was strength in numbers: both economic advantages and in perpetuating long-held traditions that would tie loved ones together in the face of new challenges. Where seniors were concerned, the expectation that younger family members would always care for them was impliedand something not all that difficult if people were living within steps of one another.Clearly things have changed, and adult children can be hundreds and thousands of miles away from aging parents. This can make it challenging to determine changes in physical, mental and emotional health, often leading to stress and guilt. While long-distance caregiving isnt always the answer, there are things families can do to help ensure their senior loved ones needs are monitored and met.1   Hold a Family Meeting to Plan In-Home Care for a Senior Loved OneFirst, organizationally, if there are multiple adult children and other family members that can provide long-distance care, have a family meetingin person or video chatto decide what everyones strengths and skillsets are and what their availability is. Tantamount to that, realistically evaluate how much each can do, knowing that a trusted neighbor or someone else outside the family and local to the senior may need to be hired to fill in any gaps.If a family member is better at managing finances, for example, s/he should assume that responsibility when the time comes, always with written permission. A Merrill Lynch study revealed about 92 percent of family caregivers are managing their loved ones finances, including monitoring and paying bills from bank accounts, handling insurance claims, filing taxes, and overseeing investments.2   Communicate with Your Aging Loved One Every DayIts important to check in with an aging parent every day, even several times a day depending on the state of health, particularly if that individual lives alone. If the senior is adept at technology, FaceTime or other forms of video chat are always preferable as visuals are a useful tool in gauging changes. Today there are a variety of simpler forms of senior-friendly video call apps and devices available. These include but are not limited to the Jitterbug Smart3, GrandPad, and CallGenie (British-based product now available in the U.S.).3   Connect Regularly with Your Beloved Seniors Healthcare ProvidersSchedule regular calls with physicians, visiting nurses, and/or others for up-to-date information about you loved ones health and evolving needs. If an in-home senior care agency is involved, consistent updates should be part of the protocol.4   Set Up a Personal Emergency Response System to Maintain a Seniors IndependenceSometimes dubbed high-tech guardian angels, personal emergency response systems (PERS) support safe and independent living. At the touch of a button (or in some cases by voice activation) an immediate notification is sent to first responders when a fall or other medical emergency is detected. PERS devices can be worn by the senior as a pendant, or a unit can be set up strategically inside the home to provide 24/7 monitoring services.5   Obtain a Smart Pill Dispenser for Medication ManagementAs people age, memory can be affected with issues that include failure to take medication or not recalling if a dose was taken or not. Multiple medications are also a byproduct of aging and facing an array of bottles every day can be confusing and disorienting for seniors. A user-friendly solution lies in medication management with automatic pill dispensers, as these smart devices for healthcare can do so much more than hold apportioned pills in a little plastic box. Smart pill devices organize medications and ensure the correct dose is dispensed at the right time, and some can also notify the caregiver if a dose is missed.6   Explore Alternative Senior Living ArrangementsIs an aging parent amenable to moving closer to adult children? Independent living and assisted living fall under the broad banner of senior living communities and can make the stress that accompanies long-distance caregiving a thing of the past. Many seniors and their families are unsure where to start their search for assisted living and other senior housing options.7   Plan More Frequent Visits to Keep Tabs on Your Elderly Loved Ones WelfareWork, raising families, community responsibilities, and everything else can make life overwhelming today. But if a parent or grandparent is aging, theres no better way to monitor needs than to visit as often as possibleeven for a long weekend now and then. If there are multiple adult siblings or young adult grandchildren, spreading the visits out among family members can ease the burden of constant traveling and help ensure changes in health and mobility do not go undetected.Besides, the opportunity to spend time with mom or dad in their sunset years is precious, and something you will never have again. In your effort to monitor things and provide support, which no one argues can be time consuming and stressful, make sure to slow down and listen. As the saying goes, When a senior dies, a library closes.8   Ask for Information and Guidance from a Trusted Senior ResourceKnow that an Amada Senior Care advisor has the expertise and knowledge to assist without obligation as families with aging loves ones navigate their senior care journey. Click HERE to find an Amada office near you or call (866) 752-1961.

As we gracefully embrace the golden years, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize our health and well-being. Maintaining an active and independent lifestyle is within reach if we take proactive steps to protect our bodies from injuries. By adopting a few simple habits and making conscious choices, seniors can enhance their overall physical resilience and savor life to the fullest. Try to incorporate any of the following seven valuable strategies for safeguarding your body and ensuring a healthier and more independent future.The Need to Stay Physically Active as Seniors Get OlderRegular physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy aging. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Incorporate these activities into your daily routine to enhance overall fitness levels and reduce the risk of falls. Remember to consult your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen. Not sure where to start? CLICK HERE to read Your Everyday Guide to Exercise and Physical Activity from the National Institute on Aging.Prioritize Strength Training to Improve Your Senior FitnessAs we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important. Incorporate strength training exercises into your fitness routine to preserve muscle strength and bone density. Resistance bands, light weights, or bodyweight exercises can be beneficial for improving strength and mobility. Seek guidance from a qualified trainer or physical therapist to design a personalized strength training program. Not sure where to start? CLICK HERE to read Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Maintain a Balanced Diet in Your Golden YearsEating a well-balanced diet is vital for overall health and injury prevention. Ensure that your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D can promote bone health, reducing the risk of fractures. Before starting any new diet, make sure to consult your physician or a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance based on your specific needs.Protect Your Joints More Important as Seniors AgeJoint health plays a significant role in maintaining mobility and senior independence. To protect your joints, maintain a healthy weight to minimize stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Engage in low-impact activities to reduce joint strain. If you experience joint pain or stiffness, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment options.Seniors: You Need to Mind Your Posture!Maintaining good posture is crucial for preventing injuries and minimizing discomfort. Practice proper alignment when sitting, standing, or walking. Use supportive chairs and ergonomic accessories that promote good posture. Engage in exercises that target core strength, which can improve posture and reduce the risk of falls.Create a Safe Living Environment to Age Well at HomeEnsure that your home is a safe haven by making necessary modifications. Remove clutter, secure rugs to prevent slipping, and install handrails in key areas, such as staircases and bathrooms. Adequate lighting throughout the house is essential for preventing falls. Consider utilizing assistive devices like grab bars and non-slip mats to enhance safety.Getting Enough Sleep Boosts Overall Senior HealthQuality sleep is vital for overall health and injury prevention. Aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Maintain a regular sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime. Consult your healthcare professional if you experience sleep-related difficulties. CLICK HERE to read Good Sleep for Good Health from the National Institutes of Health.Staying Socially Engaged Preserves Senior Mental and Physical HealthSocial connections contribute to our mental and emotional well-being, which indirectly affects our physical health. Engage in activities that foster social connections and combat loneliness. Join community groups, clubs, or volunteer organizations that align with your interests. Staying socially active can boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall vitality. CLICK HERE to read Best Practices for Helping Older Adults Stay Socially Engaged from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.Its Never Too Late for Seniors to Make Positive Lifestyle ChangesBy implementing these strategies, seniors can take proactive steps to protect their bodies from injury and maintain their independence. Prioritizing physical activity, strength training, balanced nutrition, and a safe living environment are fundamental pillars of healthy aging. By adopting these habits and staying socially engaged, seniors can lead fulfilling lives and embrace the joys of independence with confidence and vitality. Remember, its never too late to start making positive changes for your well-being. Embrace the journey.