Assisted Living and Aging: 5 Valuable Things to Remember
Assisted living and aging are inevitable truths for most aging adults. More than 1/3 of all people will be over age 65 by 2030, which is an older population than ever. With that in mind, there is a greater need for good information, such as things to think about when choosing an assisted living facility.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a senior housing option where residents can get assistance and are assisted with activities of their daily life in a comfortable, relaxing, homelike environment. These environments encourage residents to maintain their independence.
Assisted living helps seniors maintain their daily lives while also receiving care when they need it. Residents live in private or shared apartments/rooms, which come with a private bathroom and sometimes a kitchen or kitchenette. They have access to socialization opportunities and a stimulating environment that benefits their mind and body.
5 Things to Remember About Assisted Living and Aging
1. People want to, and will, live longer
Between 2015 and 2050, the amount of the world’s population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. And nearly 7 in 10 Americans (69%) want to live to age 100.
2. Getting old is getting expensive
A survey taken in 2021 stated that the national median cost for assisted living per month is $4,500, which breaks down to around $148 per day and adds up to $54,000 per year.
3. People are staying longer at assisted living facilities
It’s estimated that an assisted living resident’s average length of stay is usually around 22 months, after which he or she will move to a nursing facility for a higher level of care.
4. Most people will need long-term care at some point
Almost 70% of Americans will end up needing some type of long-term care in their life.
5. People need to stay active to stay independent and healthy
Regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age. They should regularly do two types of physical activity each week to improve their health.
