Why Now
Aging is inevitable and progressive, there is nothing we can do to stop or prevent aging.
The Population Reference Bureau reported that “the current growth of the population ages 65 and older is one of the most significant demographic trends in the history of the United States.” This identifies that there is a significant imbalance between the older population and the younger population. According to the Census Bureau, “older adults are projected to outnumber children under age 18 for the first time in U.S. history by 2034.” With this imbalance, there may be unfavorable outcomes for our elderly population, such as limited caregivers.
There are many senior living communities across the state of Minnesota, however, the availability of rooms, staffing difficulties and cost of care may be problematic and unsolvable for many people. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services,
“In Minnesota, the average cost of care for ONE year is:
$60,000 for an average of 44 hours per week of home care in your home
About $48,000 in an assisted living facility (this cost does not include services and additional fees)
Over $90,000 for care in a nursing home.”
Not only is cost a concern for our aging population, but this population also faces additional natural aging hardships such as changes in senses (vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell), decreased balance and increased weakness. These changes can place this population at a higher risk for falls and injuries both inside and outside of their home environment.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “More than one out of four Americans age 65+ falls each year.” The CDC also reports, “For older adults in the U.S., fall death rates went up by 30% from 2007-2016 and researchers predict there will be 7 deadly falls every hour by 2030.”
The U.S. Census Bureau came out with a report in 2023 that stated, “about 4 million U.S. households with an adult age 65 or older had difficulty living in or using some features of their home.” As we age, our skills, abilities and even capabilities change. The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine published a Descriptive Analysis from people aged 65 and older in 2015 that stated, “More fall-related Emergency Department visits were due to falls at home (79.2%) compared to falls not at home (20.8%). The most common locations for a fall at home were the bedroom, bathroom, and stairs.”
Finances and falls/injuries are considerably large concerns that our aging population and their families have when it comes to remaining at home. It is imperative that we utilize our knowledge of home safety recommendations, modifications and resources to support our aging population to age in place. I have worked with so many people who have sustained injuries in and around their homes that were 100% preventable. Home safety assessments are a great way to look at the safety and functionality of the home environment. Let’s take a PROACTIVE approach to health living and aging in place!
