What, I'm Aging?

 

Despite obvious anecdotal evidence that everyone ages at different rates (remember the kid who grew six inches over summer break?), everyone’s bodies have a natural process of aging. Different parts of our bodies start to break down sooner than others. Here's a link to information about how our body ages (assuming all things are equal) provided by 1800 Health.com, a health insurance decision-making resource.

OK, you accept that you're growing older (notice my emphasis on "growing" as opposed to declining into old age; call me a rose-eyed optimist). Next would you agree with this definition of aging with dignity and independence: the ability to live life to its fullest in the place you call home regardless of how old you get, what illnesses might set in, or whether you experience any physical or cognitive disability?  

To better prepare for the unknown future, here are 10 things to know if you are providing help to an older loved one (or yourself). If you want to take action to prepare for your own future, take a look at the Got Your Back Neighbor Network's "Grand Serenity Plan: Your home, your community, your choices". It's free and it will pay off for you!