SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
Seniors
INDEPENDENCE: A LIFELONG GOAL! by
Constance Whitney
T
HE DRIVE TO EARN AND MAINTAIN independ-
ence is a constant and lifelong quest for almost every individual. We humans seem to have an ingrained instinct to be in charge of our own path, to be the master of our own destiny. That nearly universal quest for self-determination seems to intensify as we enter our retirement years. In a recent poll published by the National Institutes of Health, nearly 90 percent of seniors say they want to stay in their home as they age and that doing so will ensure their continued independence. The Center for Disease Control defines this trend as aging in place: “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” In other words, independence! Today, seniors are healthier, more active and better off financially than any generation in history. And, as the current trend towards aging in place shows, they will maintain that status for as long as they possibly can. There is no doubt that the rising seniors are going to change the way society looks at the aged! Jumping on the Bandwagon In recognition of the growing aging-in-place trend, companies, organizations and entrepreneurs have developed resources to support seniors. From home delivery of gourmet, chef-prepared meals to an army of companions to go shopping with you, drive you to the doctor or just relax with you on the back porch, sipping mint juleps and playing Scrabble, the list of resources available, especially here in Central Virginia, is endless! I have spent quite a bit of time researching and ferreting out various outlets for this article and, as hard as I try, I have been unsuccessful at finding anything that could not be delivered, serviced or made to order at my home. Limited only by financial considerations and a reliable Internet connection, the sky is the limit. Some of my favorite resources are the wonderful people, locally and nationally, who will make and deliver to my home amazing meals that rival those I can get in the fanciest of restaurants. As a kid, I used to envy Samantha Stevens and her ability to twitch her nose and make a dinner appear fully cooked. Now, as a grown up, I can do the same
thing with an iPhone and a VISA card! While getting a perfectly seared filet with steamed broccoli and a wonderful Merlot delivered upon request is awesome at any age, I think that the most helpful resources are the companion services. These are excellent options for less-mobile seniors who need a little help getting to the store, the doctor or the movies. Senior helpers, both paid and volunteer, are available to provide a bevy of services from light housework and yard work to simply spending time with the senior for a visit and a cup of tea. Some companion services even provide personal care and nursing assistance. Technology has also advanced to assist seniors. Everything from strobe lights on the smoke detectors to help the hard-of-hearing to lifeline devices that will summon help at the push of a button, the gadgetry is truly impressive. In a 2014 report in Independent Living, technological advances in robotics were investigated as they related to helping seniors. From robotic vacuums to keep the carpets clean to various monitoring tasks (Mom, did you take your meds today?) to much more sophisticated robots being used to help those with advanced cognitive issues or physical limitations, technology advancements focused on seniors are definitely on the rise.
What’s right for me? With so many options available, it’s hard to admit we’ve aged and need help, and even harder to determine what we need to support our lifestyle. Be honest and ask yourself: Do you lack the energy or have physical problems that make going to the grocery store just a bit too much? No problem, get all your groceries – fresh, frozen, perishable, staples – delivered to your door. Do you have difficulty keeping up with the daily chores around your home? Housecleaning? Cooking? Changing linens? The solution – at home caregivers will come on a schedule that you set, help with what you need and, surprisingly, don’t cost a fortune. Could you use assistance getting to the doctor? Or to the store? That’s easy – both volunteer and for-profit organizations are available to provide transportation and can also handle disabled or lessmobile passengers in modified vehicles. Would you welcome help with care of the outside of your home such as gardening, shoveling, maintenance? Professional services are available on a one-time basis or a steady schedule. What About Mom? As the adult daughter of a very independent, very intelligent and very determined mother, RichmondNavigator.com 24