Live Life to the Fullest 

The majority of older adults age 55+ want to live life to the fullest and live out their “golden years” aging in place in their own homes. In fact, according to statistics and research nearly 90 percent of older adults have stated that they want to stay in their own homes as they age.

According to AARP people who age in place in their own homes live on average 7-years longer than someone living in residential care. Deciding you want to age in place and thrive at home means you are choosing to do so rather than the decision being driven by other people.

Aging in place in your own home and living life to the fullest means being able to have control over, what services you need and receive, when, and how, which means aging in place and thriving in your own home can be substantially less costly compared with that of residing in an assisted living or a nursing facility. And not to forget more fun and enjoyable!

There’s No Place Like Home

In the movie The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy knew what she was talking about when she uttered the sentiment of wanting to go home as she clicked her heels three times and wished she could return to her home in Kansas. It’s true, there is no place like home.

So, what are the benefits of aging in place rather than moving in with family or to an assisted living facility or nursing home?

Benefits of Aging in Place

• You are the King or Queen of your castle; you make the rules and all the decisions.
  • Your space is your space.
  • Familiarity and security in relation to both your home and your community.
  • Independence, autonomy.
  • You can have pets as part of your family if you want to.
  • The ability to make your own choices insofar as décor, furniture, paint colors and other home aesthetics and improvements.
  • You can eat what you want, when you want, including late night snacks.
  • You won’t have to partake in crafts or play Bingo if you don’t want to.
  • Privacy won’t be a problem, unless you have nosey neighbors.
  • You’ll have a greater sense of freedom.
  • You can have dinner parties and friends over whenever you want.
  • Having a Plan B and the option to move into an assisted living or nursing facility if the need arises.

Are You Ready to Age in Place?

Keep in mind now more than ever, technology can play a huge role in staying independent, allowing you to live life to the fullest happily in your own home for as long as you wish or are able! However, also keep in mind that the choice to age in place should be made sooner rather than later.

Choosing now to tell your family that you want to live life to the fullest and age in place gives you control over the decision, and not someone else. It is a choice a person or couple should plan for purposefully and not in a panic mode when you feel like you have to because you have no other choice.

Having the ability to thrive at home and live in a place where you feel comfortable and safe and doesn’t have an institutionalized aesthetic, while being able to live under one’s own rules is just one of the many reasons older adults choose to age in place, and take the liberty to live life to the fullest and live happily ever-after!