Aging Successfully

With 47 million Americans age 65 and older, we are responsible for helping our seniors to navigate the aging process successfully. There are many ways we can help our family member, friend or neighbor live a fully engaged life, and many times we can help them to stay where they are the most comfortable; in their own home. According to a recent Harvard Study, only 3.5% of homes are outfitted to accommodate senior living. Features such as wider hallways, no-step entryways and single story living can help our loved ones stay in their own home for a longer time. Below are my tips for helping a loved one or even yourself age with grace and dignity:

We all wake up with new aches and pains as we grow older and become less mobile. I know several contractors who specialize in planning and remodeling homes for senior-friendly living. Installing walk in showers and tubs, raised toilets, hand-rails and even a ramp to the house are small but effective projects to create a safe home. Some of us are in the midst of down-sizing. These areas are important to think about well in advance of needing them or when looking to transition to a new home.

Routine clean-outs of all the things that fill our lives, our closets and homes such as clothes, sentimental items, books, magazines, paperwork and food will ensure a well organized home for you and your loved ones, as we head into the twilight of our lives. Every time I visit my parents who are getting up there in years, I commit to clean and streamline one small aspect of their space, whether it is clearing out the freezer, purging a closet, labeling items in the pantry or tackling the “junk drawer.” I find that they will maintain a more streamlined home if they have someone to help them take the first step. These seemingly small cleanings go a long way to keeping my parents feeling empowered and in control of their lives and their home.

GTD’s mission is to make people look and feel great! We have several clients now in their golden years and I found they always feel a great pride when they have a clean and streamlined closet and wardrobe. Having assessed their belongings along side me, knowing that there is a place for everything creates a sense of calm. While many of my clients enjoy putting together outfits themselves, a few of my on-the-go and older clients prefer to have them put together and reviewed by our team so that it’s one less thing they have to think about when getting ready for their day.

As we age, the needs of our home environment and space can drastically change. Life events such as our children moving on to college, a divorce or the passing of a spouse can impact the way our house serves us. Reclaiming your space and making it suit the needs of your new chapters moving forward can feel as if a big burden has been lifted. Donating or removing unused or unwanted furniture, clothing or any items that no longer serve us is an important step to create a happy and more functional home environment.

Do you need to take that first step to help an aging parent or loved one? Call GTD.

Gift certificates and custom packages are available.

My best for your aging success,