A particular problem in aging that I fear is fear is declining health that hinders my mobility and/or independence. More specifically, having to be put in a assisted living facility and depending on others for care. Physically, I would be bound to either a bed or wheelchair with little to no movement which could potentially lead to other health issues such as sores and infections. Emotionally, I would feel hopeless and depressed and question my existence. Socially, if I am in a living facility, I would probably face abandonment due to everyone’s busy schedule and limited social interactions with other residents due to my limited mobility. And financially, with the rise in medical care, if I am at home, there will be a burden on my family to keep up with having to pay for an at home caretaker, medical supplies, and medication. If at a living facility, it would be the cost of the medical bill that my insurance does not cover.
Having limited mobility and losing my independence due to declining health of any sort would hinder my ability to travel the world after retiring as well as being able to enjoy the company of my future grandchildren while in my own home.
Considering the CARA model off aging, achieving resilience through the GRRs (generalized resistance resources) would be through planning ahead financially to ensure that I would be able to afford quality healthcare. Socially, to overcome depression or loneliness, I would build community using my resources through community based senior programs and keep in touch with my faith-based community to keep me going spiritual and not focus on my limited mobility and losing independence.
The article titled “Fiercely independent”: Experiences of aging in the right place of older women living alone with physical limitations.” discussed the experience of aging women with physical limitations who lived by themselves in comparison to those living in assisted living facilities. The study found that it is possible, despite limited mobility, with support of family and community to achieve independence in places where it feels at home. Many of the participants volunteered and participated in social activities. This article made me realized the positive effect aging in the “right place” has on the physical, social and mental well-being of those aging with physical limitations
Reference: Narushima, M., & Kawabata, M. (2020). “Fiercely independent”: Experiences of aging in the right place of older women living alone with physical limitations. Journal of Aging Studies, 54, 100875.
Santia,
So your fear of aging is poor health that limits mobility, right? I think it is interesting that so many of you think about aging as automatically resulting in lack of mobility. You just might age and be able to get around just fine! Of course we are less mobile generally as we get older, but I think the impact that has on our lives might be over-generalized.
I think maybe you are more concerned about being in ill health. I certainly understand that concern. But again, ill health and aging are not necessarily givens. We will experience more physical challenges as we age, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we won’t be able to do the things that matter to us. And, interestingly, what matters to us changes dramatically as we age. Funny how that works, huh?
I think the article you chose is quite interesting. Did you find any differences because they older adults were in Canada? I thought it was interesting that they did a more qualitative study of only – was it 7 people, I don’t remember exactly? That is a wonderful study but we will all have to decide if it is applicable to larger numbers.
Dr P