Maintaining Independence As We Age

As we age, maintaining one’s health and independence becomes a top priority. According to recent studies, the majority of people over 65 will require a nursing home and/or an assisted living facility. The costs of such are staggering according to this USNews report:

In 2012, a private room cost an average of $248 daily, or more than $90,500 annually, according to a 2012 survey by MetLife. A semi-private room ran $222 daily, or more than $81,000 per year. And the average nursing home stay is 835 days, or more than two years, according to the government's latest National Nursing Home Survey.

There is a multitude of factors that can lead to the necessity of assisted care, but the majority follow a particular downward spiral:

Degeneration- imbalances in the spine and the joints lead to uneven wear, tear and ultimately arthritic conditions

Loss of Flexibility- the spurring and degeneration limit range of motion making certain daily functions impossible

Immobility- the inactivity of the joint leads to further permanent damage

Loss of Independence- Basic daily functions become impossible due to the joints being locked up

Depression- the loss of freedom has a negative effect on mental attitude

Mental Decline- according to studies, late-life depression increases the risk of mental decline and cognitive function

Visceral Decline- the loss of cognitive function decreases one’s ability to properly monitor their own health (eat proper, take medications, adequate hygiene, etc.)

Death- with the decline of the body, disease sets in and death follows

By preventing and treating Degeneration, many live well into their “Golden Years” enjoying life and maintaining their independence!

Make a commitment to your health today.

Stay well adjusted,

Dr. Dan