5 Ways to Age in Place

Living Well in Retirement

Communities nationwide are experimenting with housing options and services to help seniors live independently and stay in their own homes.

By Christopher J. Gearon, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger's Retirement Report

August 18, 2011

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in the June 2011 issue of Kiplinger's Retirement Report. To subscribe, click here.

It's the small things that can mean the difference between remaining in your home and having to move to a care facility. Perhaps you no longer drive and need a ride to a doctor's appointment. Or maybe you can use some help preparing meals. When you change a ceiling light bulb, are you afraid of falling from the step stool?

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The recognition that assistance in everyday matters can go a long way to maintain a senior's independence has spawned what's become known as the "aging in place" movement. Communities nationwide are experimenting with new living options and services that are designed to help older individuals stay put as long as possible. "We think it's what people want, and we think ultimately it's less expensive than institutionalizing people," says Greg Case, director of home and community-based services for the U.S. Administration on Aging. We've reviewed five types of aging-in-place housing options.

Read more: http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/krr-5-ways-to-age-in-place.html?topic_id=29#ixzz1XsBGUleG

What Should a Caregiver Who Is Diagnosed with Dementia Do?

(Source: Alzheimer's Daily News and Agingcare.com)

If you are a caregiver of someone with dementia and you feel that you, too, are showing signs of the disease, what do you do? This isn't as uncommon as you may think, since at least three circumstances that increase one's risk for Alzheimer's are at play here.

The first is that many caregivers take care of spouses, and likely fall into the same age group. Since age is a big risk factor for dementia, your risk has been increasing over time as you've cared for your mate.

The second factor is genetics. If there is a history of early on-set Alzheimer's in your family, and you are caring for that parent, there is a chance that you, too, carry that gene.

The third factor is stress. While stress can cause dementia-like symptoms without being dementia, studies show that stress hormones can actually contribute to the disease.

If you are diagnosed with dementia, it's important to take these steps while you can still think clearly:

• Make sure that adult children or other trusted parties have the ability to help you.
• Begin making lists and notes. These should be for your own use and those who may be caring for you and the other person with dementia.
• Contact your local Alzheimer's organization.
• Prepare to hire in-home help.
• Work with the person you have chosen to be your Power of Attorney for finances.
• With family members, tour assisted living facilities with memory units.
• Beware of denial.

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Brain Exercises

Most of us know how to exercise our bodies, whether we are diligent about it, or not.  But how many of us exercise our brains on a regular basis?  Dr. Pascale Michelon and The Memory Practice are a great resource.  Let me know what you think.  Read more........

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO GET OLD? SEE HOW YOU CAN WALK A MILE IN SHOES OF THE AGING POPULATION

In a Graying Population, Business Opportunity
By NATASHA SINGER
Published: February 5, 2011
C.J. Gunther for The New York Times

IT’S not easy being gray.

For the first time ever, getting out of a car is no picnic. My back is hunched. And I’m holding on to handrails as I lurch upstairs.

I’m 45. But I feel decades older because I’m wearing an Age Gain Now Empathy System, developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Agnes, they call it.

To read on, click here....
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/business/06aging.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1