Do You Make These Simple Aging Mistakes?

Many people continue to make simple aging mistakes that prevent them from aging wisely. We’ll let you in on how to avoid these mistakes so you can keep living life the kind of life you want.

You may want to take the Aging Wisely quiz to get a quick check up on how you’re doing: Bonus: you’ll get our FREE comprehensive checklist to keep you on track through different stages of life.

Aging Mistakes

Failure to plan = planning to fail

Of course, you can’t control everything. But, there are a lot of things you have control over. Without planning, you give up that control. You limit your choices. Others may step in to make decisions you don’t like. You might find yourself caught in an unnecessary legal battle or guardianship process. Your lack of financial/insurance planning might leave you with unattractive options.

How to avoid this mistake:

1. Execute advance care planning and estate/financial legal documents.
2. Think through your wishes, and talk to your loved ones. Click on the advance care planning link above for conversation starters. Or, set up a care management consultation for help.
3. Examine your finances and insurance portfolio.
4. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek help.
5. Seek an expert when it comes time to make decisions or you’re caught in a crisis.

Being passive about your health

Most of us could do more to be healthy. We encourage everyone to take some “lessons from the blue zones” for a healthy, happy lifestyle. Whatever your current state of health, take simple steps to be an active participant in your health(care).

Do you want to enjoy aging and stay independent as long as possible? Then, stop making these simple mistakes. All too commonly, people wait for illness to visit the doctor. A lot of damage is done when the red flag goes up. You can benefit from early intervention with health screenings.

Next, many of us don’t speak up with the doctor or ask questions. Suddenly we find ourselves getting tests and treatment we’re not sure about. Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications to manage various conditions) creates problems for many seniors. About 50% of people older than age 65 take five or MORE medications per week.

And, finally, our ideas about staying independent may push us towards dependence. Getting a little help at home keeps things manageable. Staying safe and healthy means gives you control over your life.

Avoiding this aging mistake:

1. Schedule your annual wellness visit and health screenings. Medicare covers preventative care, so visit the link for a list of screenings and how often they are covered.
2. Use EasyLiving’s tips to improve patient-doctor communication.
3. Get help from a patient advocate.
4. Talk to a home care company about household help.

Think old, act old, be old

Just take a look at these amazingly fit aging inspirations. They, along with many artists, business leaders, politicians, writers, and more, prove that late life can be a time of growth and productivity.

Yet, about one-quarter of people say they’re happy being sedentary. If you’re tempted to spend most of your time lounging in front of the TV, beware of the consequences. Staying physically and mentally active keeps your brain healthy. Older adults who had medium-high levels of engagement developed cognitive and physical limitations more slowly than did those with low levels. In other words, thinking and acting old will MAKE YOU OLD.

Additionally, too many elders become “trapped” in their homes. Getting out is difficult; they fear asking for help. They don’t want to leave home, but home becomes like a prison. Social isolation has devastating effects. The challenges that caused the isolation only become worse.

Aging wisely solutions:

1. Find ways to keep doing your favorite activities. A home care company like EasyLiving can arrange outings and in-home activities that fit your needs.
2. Keep moving. We highly recommend age-friendly personal training like At-Home Fitness. Check out the huge variety of fun (and free/cheap) fitness ideas you can try. Even if you don’t have much locally, there are endless fitness videos online, classes on TV, podcasts, and apps.
3. Engage. Volunteer, take a class, learn something new. DON’T just sit in front of the TV. There are so many engaging things you can do right at home.
4. Get out of the house. Contact EasyLiving about Senior Concierge and Transportation services in Florida.

For more ideas, check out these resources for social engagement.

Saving for a “rainy day” in the midst of a storm

Some people avoid mistake #1 and do a great job saving for the future. But, when the future arrives they hesitate to spend money on themselves. Their great savings habits are hard to break when it’s (beyond) time to spend the money.

Tips for avoiding this mistake:

1. Sit down with an objective professional. A care manager can work out budgets for different choices so you clearly see the costs. They find you ways to get the most “bang for your buck” and connect you with financial assistance. Your financial advisor can help you work out what you can safely spend.
2. Think long term. Spending a little bit on services today can often save you big future costs. An aging life care manager can help you prioritize and analyze cost-effective options.
3. Have honest conversations with your adult children. Our society often considers it impolite to talk about money. Unfortunately, this is harmful. Your children may be completely in the dark about how they can help you or what you can afford. You might be holding yourself back with assumptions. For example, you might be worried about preserving the kids’ inheritance. Meanwhile, the kids might just want you to spend the money to take care of yourself.

For more great tips and resources, check out the EasyLiving blog and sign up for the monthly newsletter.