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Safe Is the Word Planning for the best in life? Then start by preparing for the worst with these safety must-haves that could save your life 
People are living a whole lot longer. This isn’t new information by any means, but its relevance persists. Because many will age into their 80s and beyond, it’s time, now, to start planning for life much, much later than 50. It may seem early. It may seem far into the future. Life, however, is predictable in its unpredictability: It sneaks up on all of us and before we know it candles are painstakingly placed on that birthday cake celebrating the big 8-0. Certainly financial planning, long-term care insurance, estate planning and so on are all essential preparations to be made, and the earlier the better (long-term care insurance, for example, can be extremely cost prohibitive the longer one waits). However, beyond the paperwork, there are items, both figuratively and literally, one can put in place to help ensure that those golden years stay golden. Because it’s not just that people are living well past the age of 80 that is notable. It’s that citizens over 80 are living well. More, they’re remaining independent and safe at home through products, services and a mindset that is geared toward aging without getting old. Susan Ayers Walker, founder and managing director of the SmartSilvers Alliance in Menlo Park, Calif., says that there are three big disability issues facing older adults: loss of mobility, loss of sight and loss of hearing. She suggests considering family history and current health status for clues as to what one might be facing. For example, if a parent had macular degeneration, could that be in the future? Similarly, are there currently back problems or knee problems limiting movement? If so, she says, look around the house and consider whether or not the space is one that will continue to work in years to come. (Are there a lot of stairs? Are the rooms big enough?) If stairs are an issue, outside of moving to a new residence, there are a few fixes. One option is to install a stair lift – also referred to as a glider – which is a chair to lift one to an upper floor. Depending on budget and how many floors or stairs are a navigational issue, an elevator may be an option. “I love this home,” says Walker of her three-story treehouse built into the side of a hill. “We looked at ranches for about a year but they didn’t have the soul this house has. So we put in an elevator. It didn’t cost us as much as we thought it would.” Additionally, outfit the rooms where the most time is spent to be as safe as possible. “One of the biggest things you have to worry about as you get older is your balance and the opportunity for a fall,” Walker says, “because if you fall, it can be a life-altering challenge for you.” One of the slipperiest of places is of course the bathroom. An easy solution is the grab bar, positioned for use in or out of the shower. And these have come a long way, notes Walker. In fact Kohler makes decorative grab bars. Another design element to consider, suggests Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of the division of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, is to create a shower drain flush with the rest of the floor so there is nothing to step over or into for showering. Speaking of stepping, removing area rugs and keeping cords out of the way are among the AARP’s recommendations. Gabi Redford, editorial projects manager for AARP The Magazine, notes that “the number of people who fall in the middle of the night is enormous” and reiterates Walker’s sentiment that falls can have huge health consequences. Move into the kitchen and swap that gas stove for electric, suggests SmartSilvers’ Walker. Also, “look at rearranging your cabinets,” she says. “Putting things in lower cabinets works a lot better than having to get up on a step stool.” Walker also touts the use of a grabber reaching tool to get to those hard-to-reach areas primed for falls. While these items and elements (see sidebar) can help prevent injury, seniors may want to stock a few things to assist in the event of injury. One such thing is making sure a cellular phone is always within reach if not in the pocket. Walker recommends the Jitterbug phone, with an easy-to-see screen and easy-to-dial keypad. Sometimes, unfortunately, dialing a cell phone isn’t an option due to a fall or other life-threatening emergency. In these cases, a personal emergency response system may help. A help-button device is worn and pushed when needed. In some cases, even when not pushed, the device may detect a fall and respond. All experts agree, however, on three major things, which cost nothing and are the most effective ways to help ensure a longer independent life in one’s home: exercise, good nutrition and socialization. “People need to plan not to become isolated,” Kennedy says. Keeping friends, making new friends, staying close with family – all those things are critical as people age, he notes. Living alone and being alone are two different things. Remaining social also means remaining active, and intellectual stimulation is important, Kennedy says. Walker recommends the MyGait computer, which is designed for seniors and features brain games and allows for e-mailing and keeping in touch with friends and grandchildren. “The number of nursing home beds has not increased in 20 years despite more people living longer,” Kennedy says. “There is more evidence the older population is healthier and happier than ever before.” Staying healthy through exercise and good eating habits – and starting now – will keep it that way. |
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