As a solo ager, you make decisions for yourself every day, from what you have for breakfast to which movie you’ll watch on television. But there are some larger questions to ask yourself that can help you decide if living on your own is still a good idea, or would senior living be a much more satisfying choice—and is now the right time to make the move?
Senior living questions for the solo ager
Things might seem fine at home. You like your freedom and enjoy your privacy. But you also might be wondering what you are missing by living on your own. Take a moment to walk through these questions to learn how you really are feeling.
Is your safety at risk at home?
Ask yourself:
- Do you ever feel disoriented or confused?
- Have you ever forgotten to turn off the stove, sink, or bathtub?
- Do you ever have trouble thinking of the right words?
- Can you safely and effectively navigate around your house, including using the stairs?
- Do you ever misplace items, like your car keys?
- Do you ever worry about something happening to you while you’re home alone?
- Have you ever stumbled, tripped, or fallen at home?
- Do you have someone who checks in on you regularly to make sure you’re safe?
According to Today’s Homeowner, 89% of older adults want to age in place and maintain their independence. However, according to AARP, 85% of older adults have done nothing to prepare their homes for aging. And that is not good news, as one in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year and 50% of those are over 80.
And it’s not just falls that pose a hazard, it’s accidental burns or injuries in the kitchen. It’s also the difficulties that can come with cognitive decline that can make an older adult vulnerable to scams or other dangers. Neighborhoods change and familiar faces move away, and not having anyone close by you trust can lead to a higher risk for a bad outcome.
Download our free guide:Senior Living Options – A Guide for Understanding Which Level of Care is the Best Fit.
Are you experiencing ongoing or worsening health issues or other changes?
Ask yourself:
- Have you had any unintended weight changes?
- Do you feel confident in managing your own medications?
- Is getting ready in the morning becoming a draining chore?
- Do you ever have trouble making it to the bathroom in time?
- Do you sometimes struggle to get around the house like you used to?
- Do you have any chronic health issues you worry about managing on your own?
Needs change as a person ages, and for some, that can mean a higher chance of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, chronic kidney failure, high cholesterol, and dementia. According to NCOA research, nearly 95% of adults 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while nearly 80% have two or more.
A solo ager might not recognize subtle signs of changes in their own health, which can result in worsening health. It’s also common for a person to avoid telling a physician or family member they are experiencing difficulties getting dressed, bathing, or handling other activities of daily living for fear of losing their independence.
How’s your quality of life?
Ask yourself:
- Are you part of a community where you can participate socially?
- Do you ever feel sad or anxious?
- Are you bored, listless, or unfulfilled?
- Do you spend your days staring at the television?
- Do you have trouble sleeping?
- Do you feel safe and secure in your neighborhood and home?
Feeling left out or lonely can be very dangerous for a solo ager, in terms of emotional, mental and physical health. Friends move away, family members are busy with their own schedules and commitments, and neighborhoods change. Even something as simple as boredom can lead to depression and anxiety.
Senior living: now might just be the right time
As you look over the questions above, even one “yes” response might signal you should consider a change of lifestyle, one you want and deserve.
Today’s senior living is a choice for personal safety and well-being, peace of mind concerning future care needs and a higher quality of life. Instead of giving up your independence, you’ll find you have even more confidence to continue to explore, learn, and experience all that is available to you in ways you never imagined.
It’s good to be excited about what lies ahead, learning new things, trying new experiences, reimagining what is possible. That’s how independent senior living at St. Mark Village can make you feel. In addition, we assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation, giving you seamless access to future care options. We invite you to learn more.
Ready to have the time of your life? Download our free guide: Senior Living Options – A Guide for Understanding Which Level of Care is the Best Fit. Or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
