The Home of the Future – The Trailer?
Luckily for a nation of undersavers, a trailer park turns out to be a superb place to age. They offer close-knit communities with no stairs and fewer costs than traditional retirement housing.
The Milken Institute’s Best Big And Small Cities For Successful Aging
Over half of this year’s winners are college towns, as they tend to have strong local economies, strong health infrastructure, strong transit systems, and innovative housing options. College towns touch many of the bases needed for successful aging.
States With Highest Proportion of Isolated Seniors Could Be Best Place to Age Alone
The top five states with the highest and lowest proportion of aging solos. See how all 50 states rank.
Aging alone is a very popular topic and I find many articles that address issues like isolation, loneliness, and how staying connected and building friendships are the answer to living well. Recently at the Boston Globe, it published an inspiring piece about women without men and making their way alone. It’s true, women of all ages have grown up and more self-reliant than ever before in history. We support ourselves, have full time jobs, make major purchases, and even qualify for home mortgages, but for me, that’s not news, I’ve been doing all that since the early eighties.
Remember the Virginia Slims (cigarettes) tagline, “You’ve come along way, baby?” That was during the era when thousands of women found their wings. Today, those same women approach sixty-five or older, and most of us remain independent and determined. But our fierceness has more to do with aging well and not so much about proving ourselves. Who has energy for that? We have far more significant things to do like remain healthy and find suitable ways to age well.
Some things that older women want when aging alone are making close friendships, finding others to rely on, living under budget, hailing safe rides, eating well, attending fun activities, and being around like-minded. I suppose the older single men want the same things but in most cases more women than men live alone. For the record, the U.S. Census says close to 30 percent of the population 65 and over fall into the solo category, and of those over 60 percent are female.
Recently, I was involved in the Census data that makes up the Seniorcare.com city guides. We found interesting statistics that involve older adults age 65 and over. The most significant point was the high number of residents across America living solo. So, we collated the data and found the top five states with the highest and lowest proportion of aging solos. See how the 50 states rank.
State
Percentage of Seniors Who Live Alone
Percentage of Women Who Live Alone
Percentage of Men Who Live Alone
#1. North Dakota
31.73%
of all seniors.
40.26%
women
20.66%
men
#2. Rhode Island
30.88%
of all seniors.
37.91%
women
20.82%
men
#3. Nebraska
30.54%
of all seniors.
38.95%
women
19.45%
men
#4. South Dakota
30.15%
of all seniors.
38.45%
women
19.42%
men
#5. Massachusetts
30.02%
of all seniors.
37.17%
women
20.02%
men
State
Percentage of Seniors Who Live Alone
Percentage of Women Who Live Alone
Percentage of Men Who Live Alone
#1. Hawaii
18.95%
of all seniors.
22.58%
women
14.35%
men
#2. Utah
22.50%
of all seniors.
29.59%
women
13.95%
men
#3. California
24.09%
of all seniors.
29.80%
women
16.67%
men
#4. Arizona
24.49%
of all seniors.
30.77%
women
16.99%
men
#5. Texas
24.55%
of all seniors.
30.65%
women
16.68%
men
It’s my thinking, when growing older, you’ll want to make sure you hang around people closer to your age and circumstances to find support and people who will have your back. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should avoid younger individuals. Being around families and various ages will add fresh perspectives and flavor to one’s life. Otherwise, it may become ho-hum.
Case in point, my sister lives in Austin where 7 percent of the population are seniors. Early on, she noticed the upbeat Millennials, and, after a while, she recognized the noise that accompanied their entertainment venues, then the volumes of friends who joined in the fun, which ultimately grew tiresome and she became ready for peace and quiet. I for one choose to live among multi-generations, but I plan to pick and choose the dosage of exposure. And if that’s true for you, choose a state and city where there’s a balance of all ages.
Start with the basics. If you do not have nearby family, put the following long-term care planning strategies in place. The steps help improvise for no family members.
When it comes to the home, health, and finances, stay in the driver’s seat. That’s why it’s important to plan early for retirement — and any future care. Planning for long-term assistance is one of the smartest decisions we make. When you do, benefits abound, and you will have:
It may surprise you but thousands of seniors 65 and younger have misleading thoughts about the program.
One thing that’s certain, Medicare does not pay for every type of care a senior needs, especially long-term care. Nor does it pay for home health care or assisted living services. And if admitted to the hospital for less than three days, the health program will not pay the acute care bill.
I suggest you start with the Seniorcare.com city guides. Look for your state, then city, and click on the Helpful Contacts in the far left menu. Additional resources to check out, especially when living alone:
Elder Orphan Facebook Group – The group launched over a year ago and it’s name derived from medical research. Members speak freely of their concerns and challenges. If you’re aging alone, the group offers support and guidance for over 4,000 people.
#AgingVoices – A twitter hashtag campaign developed to share stories, news, and resources for the senior population. Follow us @Seniorcarequest & @Carebuzz.
SeniorCare.com Senior Guides – over 8000 local senior guides that give healthcare quality ratings, senior housing options and other useful data for aging Americans.
Connect2Affect – The AARP Foundation spearheaded the website for seniors living alone and dealing with isolation. The goal is to create a network of resources that meets the needs of anyone isolated or lonely, and helps them build social connections.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging– The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The local AAAs provide aging and disability resources to the communities they serve.
NCOA.org – Energy Assistance | Benefits – The National Council on Aging several benefits programs can help with energy assistance needs.
Aging involves many people. If we live solo and age alone, it’s important to assemble our support team. But often we think of our support team as people. I encourage and challenge yourself to think about the community as a whole. How will the people and community serve you?
Give consideration to where you live and the nearby amenities, then ask, “Will my needs be met?” Do you have access to public transportation, affordable housing, social connection, medical facilities, entertainment, and activities that keep you active and able to age in place?
As one ages, the individual views successful aging as a balance between self-acceptance and self-contentedness on one hand and engagement with life and self-growth in later life on the other. Maintaining this wise perspective is a major contributor to aging well, even if alone.
2 NEW TOPICS:
Supporting Couples Living with Dementia: How Spouses’ Roles Change
“How You Say It” – Making Matters Worse (or Better) by How We Communicate
1 Educational Program by Phone
Supporting Couples Living with Dementia: How Spouses’ Roles Change
Tuesday, April 11
noon to 1 p.m.
Kathy Rhoads, MSW, Owner
Circle of Friends Adult Day Center, Champaign, IL
The spouse of a person with dementia must struggle with many changes, including taking on new responsibilities within the relationship and adjusting to the new role of caregiver. If we wish to assist couples on this journey, we need to better understand the impact of these shifting dynamics.
1 Webinar: Live Interactive Program Conducted Through The Internet
“How You Say It” – Making Matters Worse (or Better) by How We Communicate
Tuesday, April 4
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
OR
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cause changes in the person’s ability to communicate. Understanding these challenges and adjusting our communication patterns can make all the difference in the world. Learn some simple rules of thumb to communicate more effectively, both verbally and nonverbally.
Free webinar: Learn how to communicate more effectively
Join us on Tuesday, April 4, for “How You Say It – Making Matters Worse (or Better) by How We Communicate.” Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cause changes in the person’s ability to communicate. Understanding these challenges and adjusting our communication patterns can make all the difference in the world. Learn some simple rules of thumb to communicate more effectively, both verbally and nonverbally.
The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce its schedule of free live webinars. Offered at various times throughout the day, the topics range from general awareness to specific caregiving strategies. Webinars are recorded and available to those who are unable to attend.
Join us for one, or all!
US/Canada Toll-Free Dial-in: 1.800.356.8278
Conference Code: 692442
“How You Say It” – Making Matters Worse (or Better) by How We Communicate
Tuesday | April 4, 2017 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Hospice Care
Wednesday | May 3, 2017 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Why Veterans Are at an Increased Risk for Alzheimer’s
Wednesday | May 17, 2017 | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. or 8:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Gadgets, Gizmos and Technology to Make Dementia Care Safer and Easier
Thursday | June 15, 2017 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Managing Agitated Behavior
03.28.17
Forward Thinking About Memory Loss
03.09.17
Paying for Alzheimer’s Care: What Resources Are Available
03.08.17
Legal Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease
02.23.17
The Stressed Out Caregiver: How to Get Help Now
02.09.17
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research
01.24.17
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: What’s the difference & why it matters
12.15.16
Red wine, vitamins and Alzheimer’s: Do they work?
11.16.16
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s: How To Prepare For The Appointment
10.25.16
Why are evenings so difficult? Sundowning & Alzheimer’s disease
10.13.16
Conozca Las 10 Senales De Advertencia
10.05.16
Improving cognition: How to use the senses for people with dementia
09.21.16
How to use simple physical activities to benefit people with dementia
09.13.16
Caregivers speak: I wish I knew then what I know now
08.25.16
How you can use music to help a person with Alzheimer’s
08.10.16
Learning to connect: Relating to the person with Alzheimer’s
07.12.16
Gadgets, gizmos and technology to make Alzheimer’s care safer and less stressful
05.12.16
Alzheimer’s medications: What they are and what they do
04.22.16