Creating An Environment For Healthy Aging
For most of us losing our independence does not happen
overnight. It is a slow process that may not be noticeable even to
those who are closest to us. First we may have difficulty with some
tasks. Then it may be that we alter the way we complete those
tasks because our body won’t allow us to do things in the same
way that we used to. Some things become painful or difficult and
others become impossible. We start to require assistance and
before long we are dependent on someone else to help us with
certain tasks.
Sound unrealistic? For the 36 million people over the age of 65 and
the millions of baby boomers who will begin to turn 65 by the year
2011, this scenario is all too real. So what can you do?
First of all, realize that although aging may equate to loss of some
function, it does not have to mean dependence on others. You can
maintain or even reclaim your independence by creating an
environment conducive to healthy aging. This involves taking a
close look at where you live, work and play.
How do you begin creating an environment for healthy aging?
• Be safe by removing hazards. One of the best ways to
create a safe environment for anyone who is aging is to look at
their current environment and remove hazards. Throw rugs are a
big tripping hazard as are cords running across rooms. Either tape
them down or remove them all together. Small tables and stools or
table and chair legs that stick out into walking areas are also
tripping hazards. Remove all items from traffic lanes and exits,
such as piles of books, boxes or shoes.
• Be safe by adding some features. Add lighting where
needed -insufficient lighting can cause accidents or difficulty in
completing tasks. Make sure there is a phone by the bed and
emergency numbers are easily accessible. Provide textures strips
or no-slip mats and grab rails in the bath tub and shower. Make
sure there is a safe and stable step stool available. Check the
condition and location of smoke detectors. Ensure that medication
have a safe storage location and are kept in clearly labeled
containers.
• Start small. If you know you have poor vision and may need
assistive aids as you age, then get them as you replace current
household items. Next time you buy a telephone, shop for a big
button phone, or a jumbo remote control, a high visibility keyboard,
jumbo display thermometer or alarm clock. There are products
available that will help you in all areas of your life.
• Be proactive - make some changes before you actually need
them. When you are buying a new home or adding on to your
existing home, when you purchase new home or office furniture or
as you shop for kitchenware – these are all opportunities to start
creating an environment that is tailored to the needs you may face
as you age.
• Introduce assistive devices. If you have difficulty hearing,
purchase a ring amplifier for your telephone and a vibrating alarm
clock. If you have trouble dressing, try a sock aid, button hook,
dressing stick, long handled shoe horn or elastic shoe laces.
Difficulty grasping objects – try an electric can opener, easy grip
utensils, door knob levers, a key turner, built up light switch and a
playing card holder. Can’t get out of your favorite easy chair – try a
uplift seat assist.
There are thousands of products that promote independence and
assist you in all areas of life. If you are having difficulty in an area
there is most likely an assistive device that can help you.
By following the above suggestions you will be creating an
environment for healthy aging and also a safe, happy comfortable
and functional environment where you can live independently and
age gracefully.
Copyright 2007, The Elder Edge Company
Heather Presch has a degree in Occupational Therapy and founded
The Elder Edge Company, www.elderedge.com in order to provide
easy access to assistive devices that help maximize function and
promote independence.
Reprint rights granted so long as byline and article are reprinted
intact with all links made live.
For most of us losing our independence does not happen
overnight. It is a slow process that may not be noticeable even to
those who are closest to us. First we may have difficulty with some
tasks. Then it may be that we alter the way we complete those
tasks because our body won’t allow us to do things in the same
way that we used to. Some things become painful or difficult and
others become impossible. We start to require assistance and
before long we are dependent on someone else to help us with
certain tasks.
Sound unrealistic? For the 36 million people over the age of 65 and
the millions of baby boomers who will begin to turn 65 by the year
2011, this scenario is all too real. So what can you do?
First of all, realize that although aging may equate to loss of some
function, it does not have to mean dependence on others. You can
maintain or even reclaim your independence by creating an
environment conducive to healthy aging. This involves taking a
close look at where you live, work and play.
How do you begin creating an environment for healthy aging?
• Be safe by removing hazards. One of the best ways to
create a safe environment for anyone who is aging is to look at
their current environment and remove hazards. Throw rugs are a
big tripping hazard as are cords running across rooms. Either tape
them down or remove them all together. Small tables and stools or
table and chair legs that stick out into walking areas are also
tripping hazards. Remove all items from traffic lanes and exits,
such as piles of books, boxes or shoes.
• Be safe by adding some features. Add lighting where
needed -insufficient lighting can cause accidents or difficulty in
completing tasks. Make sure there is a phone by the bed and
emergency numbers are easily accessible. Provide textures strips
or no-slip mats and grab rails in the bath tub and shower. Make
sure there is a safe and stable step stool available. Check the
condition and location of smoke detectors. Ensure that medication
have a safe storage location and are kept in clearly labeled
containers.
• Start small. If you know you have poor vision and may need
assistive aids as you age, then get them as you replace current
household items. Next time you buy a telephone, shop for a big
button phone, or a jumbo remote control, a high visibility keyboard,
jumbo display thermometer or alarm clock. There are products
available that will help you in all areas of your life.
• Be proactive - make some changes before you actually need
them. When you are buying a new home or adding on to your
existing home, when you purchase new home or office furniture or
as you shop for kitchenware – these are all opportunities to start
creating an environment that is tailored to the needs you may face
as you age.
• Introduce assistive devices. If you have difficulty hearing,
purchase a ring amplifier for your telephone and a vibrating alarm
clock. If you have trouble dressing, try a sock aid, button hook,
dressing stick, long handled shoe horn or elastic shoe laces.
Difficulty grasping objects – try an electric can opener, easy grip
utensils, door knob levers, a key turner, built up light switch and a
playing card holder. Can’t get out of your favorite easy chair – try a
uplift seat assist.
There are thousands of products that promote independence and
assist you in all areas of life. If you are having difficulty in an area
there is most likely an assistive device that can help you.
By following the above suggestions you will be creating an
environment for healthy aging and also a safe, happy comfortable
and functional environment where you can live independently and
age gracefully.
Copyright 2007, The Elder Edge Company
Heather Presch has a degree in Occupational Therapy and founded
The Elder Edge Company, www.elderedge.com in order to provide
easy access to assistive devices that help maximize function and
promote independence.
Reprint rights granted so long as byline and article are reprinted
intact with all links made live.
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