Getting older can be a very difficult thing. We may have lost mobility, the privilege of driving, the support of someone close to us, or the motivation to leave the house. This can result in us becoming more isolated and limited. Not everyone has the blessing of a personal caregiver or the resources to live in a facility for care. Research shows that the more active and social we are, the longer of a lifespan we will have with better mental health, less depression, and less cognitive decline. We don't have to give up our quality of life when we can motivate ourselves to be more active in our communities. Whether it is help with transportation, getting meals, having assistance at home, or socializing, there are services available in our American communities.
For social activities, classes, health programs, and a sense of community, there are Senior Centers all across America. Some communities offer Transportation Services like shuttles or public transit discounts. Local colleges and universities offer classes to help keep seniors actively engaged. There are also senior programs that offer Technology Assistance so that new forms of technology can become more accessible and there is less isolation based on one's means of communication. Every state in the country has a Meals on Wheels food delivery system to ensure that elderly people eat regularly and healthily. Each meal costs about $4 when the seniors qualify. Home Health Care offers personal assistance and medical assistance to those who qualify, so that seniors can live at home as long as possible. There are also free health screenings, wellness workshops, and fitness classes given by some healthcare organizations. When there has been loss, there are Emotional Support Groups to help seniors navigate through challenging mental health crisis'. The late Jimmy Carter showed the world how service can be a healing longevity practice. There are many Volunteer Opportunities that provide seniors with a purpose of making a difference through their personal actions.
There are so many resources available to help us all age with more grace, support, and happiness. We just have to reach out and ask questions to find out what is available in our communities. A few places to start are AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), Meals on Wheels America, NCOA (National Council on Aging), and ACL (Administration for Community Living). Just because we are getting older doesn't mean that life cannot still feel rewarding, joyful, fun, or driven with purpose. We can help one another through this process of aging, and find ways for our communities to support the many needs of our elderly population. Take the initiative and seek the help that is needed for senior living and the aging process itself.
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