How Independence Can Improve The Lives Of Seniors in 2022!
The independence of seniors is a topic that has gained discussion in recent years.
The idea behind this idea is to empower seniors to age with dignity and self-determination, while also advocating for the rights of younger generations who are providing care. This article discusses three topics pertaining to how we can make our aging population more independent: what the meaning of “independence” means, why it’s important, and some ways you can advocate for your senior loved ones now. It provides information on different resources available through the MetLife Mature Market Institute as well as other sources that are helpful when looking into these issues further.
Table of Contents
How Important Is Independence For Seniors?
According to the article, researchers have found that “the desire for independence and control over daily life does not decrease as we age.” One survey of older adults discovered that 84 percent desired to live independently and this percentage was consistent across all age groups examined within the study.
Further research shows that thriving among seniors is often related to their level of independence. For example, studies have shown that maintaining their own home and having a high level of personal autonomy influences both mental and physical health. This may be partial because independent living allows seniors to avoid social isolation, which can contribute negatively to the quality of life at any age.
What You Should Know
The MetLife Mature Market Institute is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of seniors. It provides resources for seniors and their families so they may understand the issues surrounding aging, as well as affording access to intended programs that aim to better promote independence among our senior citizens. The article states that “Metropolitan Life Insurance Company has long understood the importance of family support in maintaining the quality of life for aging adults.” Some examples provided by MetLife are:
- Elder Hotline (a free service providing answers to elder care questions)
- Caregiver Action Network (to serve as a platform where caregivers can share information and solutions that affect them in a positive way)
- My Senior Source (an online resource center with articles, research, local senior care options, and service providers)
Another source of information that can serve as an advocate for seniors is the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC). It is made up of organizations that work to benefit caregivers (such as AARP), health professionals, home-health providers, long-term care insurance companies, and others.
Some ways you can help your loved ones now include:
Create a plan – better prepare yourself and your family for what they would do if a crisis were to occur. The experts at MetLife recommend looking into different types of plans that can protect both you and your aging parent/loved one depending on their life stage. For example, assessing whether or not they have enough insurance and durable power of attorney in place.
Stay connected – talk with your loved ones, visit them often and stay updated on their health and well-being. This gives you a sense of what is happening in their life and also allows you to provide support when needed.
Get involved – learn about the resources in your community that can help seniors maintain independence. This could be something as simple as getting connected with a local Meals on Wheels program or helping out at a Senior Center.
When it comes to our aging population, MetLife’s goal is to ensure that individuals have access to the information they need in order to make decisions regarding their care and live as independently as possible. Independence is key to aging gracefully and with dignity.
Conclusion
Being able to maintain one’s independence is also important because it allows individuals who want to stay in their home for as long as possible to do so. This is often preferable to moving into a nursing home or other type of long-term care facility. In fact, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that most seniors want to stay in their homes as they age and only 10 percent of those over 60 choose to live in a long-term care setting.
