Planning in these areas will promote healthier, more comfortable aging
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Planning for long life can certainly help you achieve it and enjoy it more. Consider these issues in your approach to positive aging.
1 — Staying socially connected
“Socialization and interacting outside your own little world is important,” said Lauren Goetz, owner of Everyday Hands in Rochester. “People who are stagnant and by themselves don’t have new stories so they fixate on the past or what’s bothering them. It goes along with loneliness.”
This can also help prevent cognitive decline, along with a healthful lifestyle.
2 — Giving back
“It’s really important if you’re still able to volunteer,” Goetz said. “Everyone needs to have a purpose. If we don’t, then what’s the point? Staying involved in the community and being involved with things that bring you joy are important.”
3 — Engaging in foot care
“We take a lot of people to podiatrists,” Goetz said. “I didn’t realize until I got into this business how foot care affects everything else. It can affect balance, be painful if there are ingrown or infected toenails. Swelling in the feet is painful. I’ve seen some nasty bunions.”
It can increase risk of falling to shuffle around the house in sloppy slippers that accommodate these issues. A podiatrist can address serious issues. And for her clients who struggle clipping their toenails, Goetz refers to a mobile pedicure service, Andrea’s Foot Care and Nails (585-381-4297 and on Facebook).
4 — Staying current with technology
Keeping up with tech can help you stay better connected and able to access information and helpful services. You can age better using technology that can help you stay safe.
Goetz refers clients to Daniel Jones, owner of Daniel Teaches, who leads tech classes for older adults in group and individual settings in the Rochester area.
“Daniel Jones is a gem,” she said. “He’s so good and has so much patience.”
5 — Developing an exit plan
It’s not macabre to plan for aging. It’s smart.
“Have a strategy for if things change, whether downsizing your house or not having a first-floor bathroom,” Goetz said. “Split levels are the worst.”
A bedroom and laundry facilities should also be on the first floor. By remodeling the house now, it won’t be a big adjustment when you’re older. Plus, you likely have more disposable income now. If moving or remodeling seems expensive, Goetz said to compare the costs to long-term care. Moving or remodeling is a bargain.
You may get to the point where you can no longer live in your own home independently, so Goetz advises being proactive instead of reactive “and being in a place you don’t want to be,” she said. “I see this all the time. Something happens. They fall and can’t go back to their home and they’ve never even visited a facility.”
Assisted living apartments can also provide a continuum of care as more levels of care are added on, which is less of a shock than abruptly moving after a health crisis.
6 — Planning for transportation
Goetz said that transportation represents about 70% of her errand service and that many people “don’t want to be a burden” on their adult children.
Learn how to use ride sharing apps like Lyft and Uber. Check into ministries of local houses of worship or civic groups. Some provide low-cost or donation-based rides. Friends and neighbors may be up to occasionally help, such as providing a ride when they’re already going to the store or salon.
7 — Gaining muscle
“With more muscle, you can fight off illness, recover better from injuries and maintain your cognitive abilities,” said Kerri Howell, certified personal trainer and owner of The Hourglass Mom in the Rochester area. “It can also help prevent chronic disease. The healthier your muscles, the better your aging process.”
Maintaining muscle tone helps improve function and help you continue to perform activities of daily living longer.
8 — Developing good balance
“Balance begins to decline at around age 50,” said Jean Sica, tai chi and mindful movement instructor and owner of Kokoro Fitness in Rochester. “Poor balance comes with a heightened risk of falling during even the simplest of activities such as climbing stairs and getting up off a chair.”
Regularly performing balance exercises or engaging in activities like tai chi, martial arts, dance or yoga can enhance balance.
9 — Maintaining cognitive function
There’s no guarantee that performing the Sunday paper’s crossword puzzle each week will keep you sharp into older age. However, an overall healthy lifestyle and staying mentally engaged can help.
Avoid illicit drugs, excessive alcohol and smoking; exercise regularly and eat a healthful diet. Mitigate stress and find ways to engage with other people. Meaningful relationships go a long way towards reducing cognitive decline.