About 35 years ago, Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman, and Dan Akroyd starred in the Academy award-winning movie, Driving Miss Daisy. The movie dramatizes Daisy’s life after retirement. The aging widower learns to accept a chauffeur’s driving, friendship, and his help with daily living. Daisy ages at home until late-onset Alzheimer’s causes her to move to a nursing facility at the end of the movie.
Degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, and Parkinson’s impact many Americans as they age. The diseases cause declines in hearing, mobility, thinking, and vision. Following are some tips for overcoming age-related disabilities to maintain quality of life as you age.
Cost – by your mid 50’s, start saving or purchase insurance to cover the cost of long-term care.
Healthcare – start annual health checkups in your 20’s; early detection promotes longevity and helps maintain quality of life.
Medical Devices – ask health care providers about assistive devices if you experience difficulty with breathing, fatigue, hearing, or mobility.
Help – ask family or friends for assistance when daily activities become difficult.
Housing - consider moving to an apartment, assisted living, life-care, or long-term care facility for services and socialization.
Lifestyle - request a nutritionist or trainer to recommend an exercise program and nutritional diet to maintain mobility and wellness.
Technology – consider using virtual assistants, visual aids, and smart devices to help with daily living.
Transportation – consider alternatives like public transportation, ride sharing, or Lyft/Uber when driving becomes a chore.
Be proactive about aging to delay onset of disabilities and overcome unavoidable ones. Be an advocate for yourself by starting or enhancing programs of exercise and nutrition. Maintain a network of family and friends who can help when age related declines impact daily life. Consult the articles and books listed below for additional resources to assure quality of life for your older self.
Eric Lahaina, When Paying for Long-Term Care You’ve Only Got 4 Options, Kiplinger, Nov. 30, 2021.
Rachel Hartman, Can You Afford In-Home Elderly Care, U.S. News & World Reports, Jun. 10, 2020.
Christine Romans, Smart Gadgets for Seniors to Maintain Health and Wellness, Make Use Of, Jul. 24, 2023.
Staff, Healthy Aging: Never Too Early or Too Late, Kaiser Permanente, Mar. 11, 2015.
Stephanie Watson, Keeping Seniors Safe in Their Own Homes, WebMD, Sep. 1, 2010.
Editors, Long-Term Care – How to Plan & Pay For It, Nolo, Nov. 7, 2022.
Lawrence Frolik, Elder Law and Later-Life Legal Planning, ABA Book Publishing, Oct. 13, 2017.
Nathan LeBrasseur and Christina Chen, Guide to Keeping Your Body Young, Your Mind Sharp and Your Spirit Fulfilled, Mayo Clinic Press, Jan. 9, 2024.
Kerry Peck and Rick Law, Don't Let Dementia Steal Everything, ABA Book Publishing, Aug. 16, 2018.
Staff, A Shopper’s Guide to Long Term Care Insurance, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 2019.
