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Lifestyle Choices

Age comes with both its benefits and its hardships. Your health will change as you get older, and you may find yourself requiring assistance to complete daily tasks. But seniors can also find their later years to be a wonderful time to visit family, learn new skills, or volunteer in the community.

These are some of the lifestyle choices a senior will face once they reach retirement age. More information on these topics is available in individual sections on this website.

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Housing

Seniors are often content to stay in the home where they have lived for many years. Some will choose to downsize to a smaller, more manageable residence. Others will feel it is time to buy that dream house they’ve always wanted.

If a senior is having trouble living in their current residence, they may still be able to take steps to stay there. Modifications such as grab bars and ramps can be helpful. Some seniors are also able to remain independent through visits from home health aides.

Some seniors will move in with one of their adult children. This gives them the opportunity to spend more time with their family but might prove stressful if their child also needs to act as a caregiver.

Another option is to look into a retirement community. This type of housing typically provides meals, activities, and a number of other services. Most retirement communities also offer different tiers of residency. Independent living units essentially serve as apartments, while assisted living units receive more care from in-house medical professionals. There may also be a unit to care for those with dementia or other serious ailments.

Health and Nutrition

Older adults are more likely to be affected by cancer, hearing and vision problems, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and a number of other issues. But they can reduce their risk of these health problems if they take care of themselves.

Smoking will significantly increase the risk of a variety of diseases. It’s never too late to quit; look into a smoking cessation program to develop a healthier lifestyle.

Seniors may also need to improve their diet to lower their chances of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and other problems. A physician can recommend how they need to alter their diet.

A good exercise regimen will also improve a senior’s health. A variety of low-impact endurance and resistance activities can help get them into shape.

Mental and emotional health is important as well. Seniors are particularly prone to depression, and an active social life is good for them.

Financial Management

Seniors should assess their financial situation as part of determining their lifestyle. They can benefit from retirement savings accounts they have built up over their lifetime as well as Social Security payments, senior discounts, and other income. However, they may also struggle with health care costs or living on a fixed income.

By going over their monetary information with a financial planner, a senior will have a better sense of their resources as well as the financial assistance which may be available to them.

Work and Leisure

Retirement isn’t for everyone. Seniors may decide to continue working, either in their regular full-time job or in a different part-time job which will give them more time for themselves.

Volunteering is a great way for a senior to give back to the community. It also allows them to stay active and meet new people.

Senior centers offer a variety of activities and resources for older adults. Many of them will also host day trips and even international travel, giving seniors a chance to see local attractions as well as fascinating places around the world.

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