Did you know that a whopping 4.1 million Americans will turn 65 in 2024, with 11,200 Americans hitting the milestone daily? Turning old is an eventuality, but how you prepare for it is your prerogative. Everyone cherishes the ability to make decisions, manage daily lives, and control their well-being. The key is to maintain self reliance as you grow older.
However, age poses certain challenges when it comes to physical tasks, cognitive changes, and health issues. These challenges can test self-reliance, especially when you are living alone. According to the Census, around three-in-ten Americans aged 65 or older lived alone in 2022. As we age, finding the balance between preserving autonomy and recognizing when to seek help is key to being self-reliant.
In this article, we will discuss strategies for aging gracefully by nurturing self-reliance.
1. Physical Self-Reliance
According to a recent report, at least one in four Americans is physically inactive. This is worrisome because maintaining physical fitness is crucial as we age. To boost overall well-being, it’s mandatory to prioritize regular workouts, balanced diets, and preventive care. However, according to the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, only one in ten Americans know how to stay fit.
As people age, it’s important to adapt to changing mobility needs. Things like assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, and home modifications, like grab bars, can aid in independence. Additionally, engaging in hobbies like walking and yoga, joining social groups like laughter clubs, and volunteering can help combat the feeling of isolation and stay active.
2. Financial Self Reliance
One of the most worrying factors of aging is not being financially independent. According to a 2022 study, up to 8 million adults aged 65 and older were living in poverty. The study revealed that 1 in 10 adults aged 65 years or older had incomes below the official poverty threshold of $14,020 in 2022.
Financial self-reliance is crucial to maintaining independence as we age. The key is to plan ahead when we still have a steady income. Consider long-term investments, retirement savings, long-term care insurance coverage, and budgeting to cover any potential future expenses. Tracking expenses, avoiding debt, and seeking financial advice can help ensure financial security as we age.
As an adult over 65, explore finance options suitable for your stature. These include reverse mortgages, government programs for seniors, reducing lifestyle expenses, and downsizing to a smaller home. These measures offer financial flexibility and peace of mind, which is crucial in old age.
3. Mental and Emotional Self Reliance
A recent WHO data has revealed that around 14% of adults aged 60 or older live with a mental disorder. What’s even more concerning is that WHO states that mental disorders in seniors account for 10.6% of the total life lived with disability. You can tell that mental and emotional self-reliance is crucial to your quality of life when you age.
Engage your mind through learning, puzzles, reading, or hobbies like painting or music. These will help improve cognitive function and prevent boredom. Additionally, being social and participating in social activities will nurture your emotional well-being. Nurture your relationship with family and friends, join community groups, or volunteer, to get a sense of belonging and combat loneliness.
If needed, seek therapy or counseling to deal with any underlying mental health issues you might already have. These sessions will also provide valuable support and coping mechanisms you may need. Lastly, practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to boost emotional resilience.
When and Where to Seek Help
CDC reports that around 70 million adults in the U.S. reported having a disability. And as you age, it’s normal to lose motor control. This is when you know you should seek help. Be aware of signs like difficulty performing daily tasks, feeling unsafe, or experiencing a decline in physical or cognitive abilities.
Fortunately, various forms of support are available to cater to different needs, like hiring in-house nursing help. To illustrate, Virginia ranks 20 in the index of social isolation risk factors among adults aged 65 and older. These factors include living in poverty, living alone, having a disability, etc. Fortunately, professional help is available in the state. According to Marymount University, Virginia is the hub of registered nurses.
Considering the number of nursing colleges in Virginia, finding someone to provide in-house care should be easy. These nurses have received formal training and can provide medical assistance, medication management, and personal care. They can also help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing.
Also, consider companion care for companionship and social interaction, transportation services to help with appointments, adult day care, assisted living, etc. It’s essential to ignore the stigma attached to seeking help and normalize the idea that everyone needs help at some point. Instead of looking at it as a sign of weakness, seeking help should be considered a proactive step toward maintaining self-reliance.
Aging is a natural process, and you cannot stop the clock. But you can prepare yourself for this eventuality and try to maintain as much self-reliance as possible. By embracing adaptability, prioritizing well-being, and utilizing available resources, you can navigate the aging process gracefully.
