Planning ahead - what does positive ageing mean to you?

In one of our recent blogs, we outlined 9 Principles of Positive Ageing that are common traits among some of the oldest communities on the planet. After 70+ years of caring for older Australians, we have seen our residents and clients approach ageing in many different ways. Regardless of their personal circumstances, some of our residents and customers have truly made the most of their older years.

Mindset, physical health, nutrition and exercise are all important to ageing with health and wellbeing. But the most important difference is those who are enjoying their older years have spent some time planning ahead and putting into place a structure of support to meet their needs as they age.

Positive ageing has become a common expression mainly because we are all living longer - about 12 years on average - another 12 years to accomplish life goals. No we have either a societal or self-instilled expectation that we remain more productive and active as we age compared to our predecessors.

Positive and Healthy ageing a right for every person in the world

The World Health Organisation states that positive and healthy ageing is a right for every older person on the planet…. “Every person – in every country in the world – should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. …. Healthy Ageing is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives.”

We believe healthy and positive ageing is possible for all people and all of our clients, regardless of their age, mobility or capacity. We encourage our clients to find ways to bring more meaning, purpose and ultimately more joy into their daily living.

To help you get started in planning ahead for quality of life in your older years, here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • How much planning are you doing for your future?
  • What goals would you like to set for yourself to achieve in 12 months?
  • Are you still engaged in the activities you once loved – gardening, theatre, music?
  • If not, what would it take for you to get involved again?
  • What plan do you have in place for care as you age? Do you have a reliable network of people around you to help if you are in need?
  • How mobile are you today? If your mobility reduces, how will you get around to do the shopping and go to appointments and events?
  • What are you doing to stay physically fit and maintain strength and flexibility?
  • How many times a week do you engage in something physically active?
  • What does quality of life mean for you and how does this apply to you as you age?
  • How much do you know about your nutritional needs as you get older?
  • How many home cooked meals do you have every week and are you trying out new recipes?
  • Have you thought about making new friends? If not, would you consider this an opportunity for you?
  • What are you doing to stay socially active and connected to your wider community and family?
  • What activities are there in your local neighbourhood and community that you might like to be involved in?
  • What will be most important to you when you are 70, 80, 90?
  • Do you look forward to ageing? Write out what you are looking forward to and what you are still concerned about.

Home care supports you physically, mentally and emotionally to live healthy and well as you age

Home care packages create a supportive framework to enable older Australians to maintain a healthy and positive life well into their older years, knowing that help is only a phone call away. You can still lean on your loved ones for help, but help at home through a home care package means you can remain more independent. Our clients feel more secure, safer and generally happier knowing they have a network of carers available around them.

Plan ahead for healthy and positive ageing with St Louis Home Care

Call St Louis home care in Adelaide on 8332 0950 or St Louis home care in Victor Harbor on 8552 1481 for a confidential conversation about your wellbeing as you get older. We are here to help you plan ahead for a good quality of life in your older years.

Want to learn more?

Positive Ageing Blog Sept 2019