Age in Place…or Make a Move?

Age in Place…or Make a Move?

Healthy Eyes for Boomers & Seniors
January 11, 2019
Why Use a Certified Senior Advisor From Oasis To Find Assisted Living or Memory Care
January 11, 2019

Seniors are the country’s fastest-growing population, according to the latest U.S. Census results. They’re outpacing the growth of the general population at a rate of 15.1 percent to 9.7 percent, and the total number of individuals over 65 is projected to nearly double before 2050. Duval County has over 150,000 people over the age of 60 and St Johns County has more than 40,000 people over 60 representing about 19% of overall population.

Over 70% of all seniors prefer to remain in their home as long as they can safely do so. Aging in place is strongly linked to greater health and happiness outcomes for seniors, particularly when social isolation concerns are addressed. Even if you are in excellent health, homeowners in their 50s and 60s should consider aging-in-place principles when renovating their existing home or apartment or downsizing and purchasing a new house.

Age in Place considerations for moving to a new house/apartment or remodeling your current home include:

  • Exterior Maintenance
  • Overall Floor Plan
  • Entry & Hallway
  • Flooring
  • Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning
  • Interior Reduced Maintenance Features
  • Appliances
  • Bathroom
  • Electrical, Lighting, Safety & Security
  • Storage
  • Ramps
  • Stairways

    • Other Aging-In-Place Considerations

  • New place on a Bus Line?
  • Social Activities in the area?
  • Safe neighborhood?
  • Downsizing and ‘Rightsizing’ in preparation to move
  • Choosing a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist who understands senior moves
  • Who should I choose to do the remodeling work or to build a new ‘accessible’ house?

    • Considering an Assisted Living Community?

  • What Questions should families ask?
  • How to choose the correct Community?
  • How to address concerns and challenges of the family member(s) who are considering moving to an Assisted Living Community?
  • How to handle resistance from a family member who is considering making the move or if a son/daughter is recommending the move?
  • For more information on choosing an Assisted Living Community, click here to access a helpful Assisted Living Checklist (https://activeafter50online.com/living-options/assisted-living/)

    • As a resource for Duval and St Johns County residents, an Active Boomers & Seniors goal is to provide ideas and information on products, services and lifestyle tips that will help baby boomers and seniors achieve comfortable and independent living as they age. Trying to figure out everything you need to do to age in place comfortably can be a very confusing process. We want to answer your questions and help simplify the process as much as possible.

    For more information, please contact Eddie Malone, Active Boomers & Seniors at emalone1224@gmail.com or 904-810-8535.

    Eddie Malone is an Aging-In-Place Specialist. Malone is the founder and managing director of Boomer & Senior Resources, a Northeast Florida online resource directory. He is the founder and director of Senior Provider Information Network Florida and the Active Boomers & Seniors expos throughout Northeast Florida.