Most Canadian seniors want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.1,2 Canadians are living longer and are increasingly reaching the age of 100. Between 2006 and 2011, the number of Canadian centenarians increased by almost 26 percent, the second highest increase of all age groups, after the 60 to 64 age group which increased by 29 percent.3 According to new data from the Office of the Chief Actuary, the average life span for Canadians aged 65 and above, is 87 for men and 89 for women.4
Aging in place means having access to services and the health and social supports you need to live safely and independently in your home or your community for as long as you wish or are able. If you are a near senior or senior who is thinking about aging in place and would like to know more about what you may need to do to prepare for your later years, this is for you. Thinking about the future and being prepared will help you to make the most of your later years and have more control over your decisions. Making a plan will give you the best chance to have a satisfying and positive experience as you age and will help you to age in place.
Each month we will review one of nine areas of life using a checklist to help you review your plan and to help you think about what you can do now to improve your life as you age.
This column is based on the experiences of people like you, who have shared their thoughts about planning and preparing for their older years. Thinking about what you would like your life to be like in 10, 15 or 20 years, and what you might be able to do now to give you more control over future changes, will help you to maintain your health and independence for as long as possible.
Having a plan to age in place could prevent you from having to make hasty decisions in the future, especially when dealing with change resulting from a crisis.
Plan for the future today to help you live the life you want tomorrow.5
My Health
This month we are going to use this checklist to assess your current state of health.Answer “Yes” or “No” to the following statements as they reflect your current state of health.
- I am physically active and do a variety of physical activities that I enjoy.
- I eat seven or more servings of fruit and vegetables in a day.
- I have a healthy body weight that has remained the same for the past six months.
- I schedule regular appointments for physical, vision, dental and hearing check-ups.
- I know what screening tests are recommended for my age and discuss these with my doctor.
- I do not smoke, or I have a plan to quit in the future.
- If I drink alcohol, I stay below the limits suggested for adults my age.
- I avoid alcohol when taking medication or check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
- I generally experience good mental health. I am aware of the signs and symptoms of depression/anxiety and if they continue, I will take steps to address them.
- I keep my mind active through a variety of interests and hobbies, such as reading.
- I know how to keep my bones healthy and strong and have discussed this with my doctor or other health care professional.
- I have talked with my doctor about my pre-existing medical condition and what services and supports I may need as I age.
- I am aware of my family’s medical history and have talked with my doctor about what I can do now to maintain my health and how my health care needs may change as I age.
- I am aware of electronic tools, such as medication reminders and health management systems that will allow me to remain healthy.
- I have written down my wishes for care in the event I become incapable of giving my consent.
Yes responses indicate those areas of your life where you are most prepared for the future. No responses indicate areas where you need more preparation to successfully age in place.
Review your No responses. These are the areas you may wish to reflect upon and try to make changes.
Endnotes
- Lifeline, P. (2011), Lifeline report on Ageing in Canada retrieved from http://www.lifeline.ca/content/english/in_the_news/report_on_aging
- Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors (2011), Issues related to the Aging population: Perceptions and Reactions – unpublished
- Statistics Canada (2011), Centenarians in Canada: Age and sex, 2011 Census, http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/censusrecensement/2011/as-sa/98-311-x/98-311-x2011003_1-eng.cfm
- Office of the Chief Actuary (2014), Mortality Projections for Social Security Programs in Canada.
- Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors (2013), Thinking About Aging in Place. http://www.seniors.gc.ca/eng/working/fptf/place.shtml
