Aging in Place - Reasons

Reasons

Many elders have difficulties with everyday functioning that requires modifications to their houses. These are several reasons on why these changes happen:

Motor functioning: In a 2002 study by Min Soo Kang, reported that the elder population in America, 18% will have a disability. This calculates to 51 million Americans who have difficulty in functioning every day. 32% over the age 65 will have difficulty walking which may require use of wheelchairs and canes. To be easier for the elder, some modification that can aid them are wider entrances, grab rails, etc.

Fine motor functioning: Elders will have difficulty using their fingers which can be problematic. As a result, modification of handles, bathroom, etc. can aid with this problem.

Cognitive functioning: Reported in Kochera (2002) that 1 out of 5 people over the age of 55 will have a mental health disorder. Due to the deterioration, the five senses and cognitive capability decrease cause slow response. As a result, fire hazards are not noticed which is important when setting up fire alarms, exits, etc.

Read more about this topic:  Aging In Place

Famous quotes containing the word reasons:

    Happy the man who has been able to know the reasons for things.
    Virgil [Publius Vergilius Maro] (70–19 B.C.)

    From things that have happened and from things as they exist and from all things that you know and all those you cannot know, you make something through your invention that is not a representation but a whole new thing truer than anything true and alive, and you make it alive, and if you make it well enough, you give it immortality. That is why you write and for no other reason that you know of. But what about all the reasons that no one knows?
    Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961)

    “... But if you shrink from being scared,
    What would you say to war if it should come?
    That’s what for reasons I should like to know
    If you can comfort me by any answer.”
    “Oh, but war’s not for children it’s for men.”
    Robert Frost (1874–1963)