What Are the Risks of Aging in Place?

Over the next 20 years, almost 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65 as the baby boomer population ages rapidly — more so than any generation in recent history! The most up-to-date count of the baby boom generation is estimated at 73 million adults, and by the year 2030, all boomers will have reached the age of 65. 

That being said, data shows that a majority of this population will want to remain in their homes and age in place. Whether it’s the house they raised their family in or where they created cherished memories with friends and loved ones, it’s understandable why so many wish to remain at home into their retirement. 

However, if you or someone you love is considering aging in place, you also have to understand the various risks that could come into play at some point in the future. 

As a brand-new Shaker Heights senior living community, our team at HarborChase of Shaker Heights is sharing factors to consider and why senior living might be a better decision for your health and safety. 

Understanding the Risks of Aging in Place

When it comes to your aging journey, planning is essential to anticipate future wants and needs. However, this can be challenging; you never know how your needs might change, and aging in place can create many obstacles. 

Changes to Mobility

One of the most significant risks older adults face is experiencing a fall, with over 25% of those over 65 facing some sort of a fall each year. A common reason for these falls is limited mobility, whether a person has been diagnosed with a health condition or simply experiencing natural, age-related declines in your mobility, like arthritis or loss of bone and muscle mass. 

Depending on the layout of a person’s home, changes to mobility can impact their ability to safely navigate it. For example, multiple floors with stairs or narrow hallways can increase their risk of experiencing a fall. 

Access to Activities and Social Opportunities

Studies have shown that nearly one-third of adults over 45 often feel lonely, and one-fourth of adults over 65 are at risk for severe isolation. Social isolation has become an epidemic for seniors who decide to age in place, specifically if they live alone and don’t have reliable transportation to regularly meet with friends and family. 

Maintenance and Daily Tasks

Maintaining a home can be difficult at any age. From simple maintenance like cleaning and mowing the lawn to regular repairs and upkeeps, these tasks can become especially challenging and time-consuming with age. It can also create specific hazards, depending on the tasks at hand. For instance, climbing a ladder to change a light bulb can lead to a fall, or shoveling the snow in the winter can cause or exacerbate pain.

On the other hand, it can be costly to regularly pay others to help manage and maintain your house.

How Can Shaker Heights Senior Living Help?

These and other risks can seem daunting at first glance. However, “older adults are now bombarded with a singular and unrelenting message: They should cope with their age-related health problems and impairments in their familiar dwellings… Older people cannot turn on a TV, search on the Internet, read books about old age, or pick up a newspaper without getting this persistent stay-at-home message (forbes.com).”

Any significant change in life is scary, but HarborChase’s Shaker Heights senior living community has a different point of view – we believe that aging should be celebrated. Senior living communities mitigate these risks by providing secure living spaces, maintenance-free living services, and plenty of social opportunities to meet friends and neighbors.

Beyond dedicated care, we provide residents and guests with exceptional dining and socialization opportunities. With multiple on-site restaurants featuring artisan sandwiches, local favorites, and private dining, we’ve created a place where individuals find something new to celebrate every day.

HarborChase of Shaker Heights prioritizes active senior living, hospitality, and luxury and provides all the tools residents need to engage, enrich, and empower themselves every day. Discover luxury Shaker Heights senior living at HarborChase and schedule your tour today!