Jul 25, 2018 5 min read

What are your best options for living well as you age? Taking liberties with Shakespeare’s quote, the answer might go something like this: Some have the opportunity to choose wisely, some have limited choices, and some have their senior living options thrust upon them.

Most people do not want to consider the possibility of developing a chronic ailment or disability. Yet, the truth is that almost 70 percent of the population turning 65 today will require long-term services and supports in their remaining years. (US Dept. of Health & Human Services). Though 30 percent of the population may never require long-term services, about 20 percent will need care for longer than five years.

What does that mean for you and your family? By preparing ahead, you can be somewhat ready for just about any set of circumstances that unfolds as you age. By planning wisely, you may be able to avoid having decisions thrust upon you. You may also be able to:

• Relieve your children of the burden of selecting your care, becoming caregivers or making difficult decisions about your future.

• Make a plan that fits your financial, social, and health situation.

• Control decisions with forethought when considering living close to family, moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), and downsizing and simplifying.

• Be informed and have peace of mind where your health and lifestyle are concerned.

In the Pittsburgh area, Providence Point is known as Pittsburgh’s premier retirement community. It is a CCRC (also known as a Life Plan Community) that offers a variety of LifeCare contracts which provide the guarantee of care within the community no matter how a resident’s healthcare needs might change.

Providence Point residents often involve their children in their decision to move, but for the most part, it is the seniors themselves who choose the community as their retirement address. Their reasons vary–from the great amenities to the 5-star healthcare–but quite frequently it also involves being near to children and grandchildren as well as not being a burden to them.

Residents Bill and Linda Dempsey see their decision as a gift to their children because a difficult decision was taken out of their hands and made simpler.

”It is the country club of living conditions with every amenity desired at Providence Point,” said William Dempsey. “We wanted to come here and we made the decision that much easier and timely for our children.”

Frequently, when healthcare needs arise later in life, the senior may not be capable of managing the necessary decisions. And choices may already be limited. If a family decides home care is an option, there may be expenses to modify the home and to coordinate care with aides and nurses.

There are more than 50,000 personal care and assisted living residences across the USA, and their services vary greatly. Understanding what Medicare and other insurance covers is another important lesson to learn.

We cannot predict the future. But, according to Motley Fool, if you remain healthy at age 65, you have a good chance of living until you’re 80, 90, even 95. You can increase those odds by living a life that is imbued with wellness. This means that you address the spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, dietary, monetary and emotional aspects of your well-being. Two important keys are being knowledgeable about your options and consciously striving to live a life enriched with wellness.

”Reports have claimed that people living in a CCRC tend to live longer. They have opportunities to socialize and exercise. They are offered healthier dining options in an environment designed to protect their health and safety as they age,” said Marilyn Walsh, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Baptist Homes Society. “Currently, some Providence Point residents are participating in a study with Mather Lifeways to prove this claim. Five years from now, when the results are in, I believe they’ll get that proof.”