The 2000 census revealed that more elders are living alone these days than ever before. In the 1960 census, an estimated 19 percent of elders lived alone in the United States, but by 2000 that figure had risen to 30 percent. If you are an elder, here are some things to think about if you are considering going it alone.
Positive Outlook
How do you describe yourself? Are you often in a positive mood, open to social relationships, optimistic about the future and feel in control of your life? If so, you have four positive factors going for you that will help you avoid loneliness or depression, which is a common problem for elders who live alone.
How Much Help Do You Need?
The most important health-related consideration for living alone is whether or not you can safely maintain a successful health routine without someone else's consistent help. Ask yourself these questions: Are you in general good health? If you take medications daily, can you manage your routine by yourself? If you are at risk for falling, do you have a ready means for communicating that you need help? Do you need assistance walking or bathing? If you cannot, can you afford to purchase daytime assistance for cooking, shopping or accessing social activities?
If you've answered "yes" to any of these questions, call your local home health agency. You can receive a free home safety evaluation from a registered physical therapist accessed from a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency. (Call your doctor's office for a recommendation or check the local phone directory.) Physical therapists are trained in how to evaluate your health status and can teach you how to manage alone if your condition allows it. Plus, the home health agency can provide you with information on how much it will cost to get you the support you need.
Do You Have Friends or Family Nearby?
If you live far from relatives, going it alone means you will need to make and keep a network of nearby friends. A strong social network can help you in times of need and can provide you with companionship you will treasure.
Lastly, the great news is that if you wish to join the approximate 18 million people who live alone in the United States, the demand for new independent living options, social networking and new communication technologies can combine to help you be "home but not alone."
