The McMaster Optimal Portal was recently featured on Forbes.com in an article about 10 strategies for seniors to age gracefully and safely in their own homes. Research shows that most seniors want to remain in their homes and live independently for as long as possible. Creating a safe and comfortable home environment can reduce many risks to healthy aging. This can include implementing modifications to your home to accommodate the physical changes that come with age and to reduce your risk of falls. As well, taking care of your mind and body is also big part of aging independently. Older adults who have healthy nutrition habits and exercise regularly are more likely to age optimally. Regular medication reviews with your doctor or pharmacist will ensure your medications are appropriately supporting your quality of life. Many older adults are taking medications that they don’t really need and that can have potentially harmful side effects. Finally, remaining socially engaged, particularly if you live alone, is also a key consideration. Many studies show that social connections play an important role in good health. If you take a proactive approach to your health, you will find aging at home comes easier. Read our evidence-based tips and insights on this topic below.
Be proactive to age well at home
Featured Resources
1. Blog Post: 5 tips to remain healthy and happy at home
2. Blog Post: Ding-dong, it’s the doctor calling! Home-based primary care may be the solution for homebound older adults
3. Blog Post: Hospital in the home: After emergency room treatment, follow up care at home can be an effective and preferred option
4. Blog Post: Options for long-term care mean more choice for older adults
5. Web Resource Rating: A good death at home: home palliative services keep people where they want to be
6. Web Resource Rating: Environmental barriers to activity
7. Web Resource Rating: Personalized care planning for adults with chronic or long-term health conditions
8. Evidence Summary: Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community
9. Evidence Summary: Support programs for both community-dwelling people with dementia and their caregivers are beneficial
10. Evidence-Summary: Admission avoidance hospital at home
DISCLAIMER: Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of these blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations such as social distancing and frequent hand washing. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with current social distancing recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.
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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
