In most cases, people want to live independently for as long as possible. However, when retirement age individuals live alone, there can be several disadvantages. Granted, social organizations, friends, and supportive family services can help mitigate some of those disadvantages. However, it may still not be advisable to live alone when you are in your 60s and above.
We are not trying to scare anybody here. But you should be aware of what to anticipate if you decide to live alone throughout your golden years. For some, it’s no problem. For others, however, living in a retirement community may be a better option – be it in an assisted living environment or an independent senior living community.
From psychological well-being to health and safety concerns, living alone in your golden years can result in some negative issues and present certain disadvantages. If you are new to retirement, you may not be aware of these. Let’s look at some of the drawbacks of living alone in your 60s and older.
Memory Issues
When you are in your 60s and above, doing household chores and other daily living tasks may begin to tire you out. If an individual starts to develop memory problems, he will most likely not be able to handle or keep up with these daily chores. Failure to turn off irons, heaters, stoves, and other appliances can increase the threat of a house fire. Smokers who don’t put out cigars, pipes, or cigarettes may also put themselves in danger.
Aside from safety, people with memory impairment who live alone will also face difficulties with basic hygiene tasks, paying bills, taking medication, or keeping track of appointments.
Healthcare
When people live on their own, particularly later in life, they may not obtain timely and appropriate medical care. Some may even fail to recognize medical conditions until they become life-threatening. A serious condition can result from something that started out as a minor complaint. If you are in your 60s, a loved one with basic medical knowledge should ideally live with you in your home, just in case.
Nutrition
Older adults tend to have a problem with nutrition. Maybe they don’t want to cook today. Perhaps it just seems like too much trouble to make a meal for one, especially if they’re used to making meals for a family. Hence, they often make do with whatever they can eat that’s available in the house. However, it is crucial for retirement-age individuals to get the nutrition they need.
If you decide to move into an independent senior living community, a nutritious chef-prepared meal is always available if you don’t feel like cooking. You can also look forward to mealtimes as an opportunity for socialization.
Financial Security
With all of the scams and financial frauds in existence today, retirees are at more risk than ever of falling prey to phishing, impersonation, or investment scams – particularly if they live alone. Having someone around to help decide whether or not something is a scam is a great idea. Scams and fraud can range from emails to texts to phone calls and, in some cases, scammers and fraudsters in sheep’s clothing may even show up directly at your front door!
Physical Safety
Falls are a risk factor that aging adults must concern themselves with – some more than others. Common to people in their golden years, certain medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension can contribute to the possibility of a fall. These conditions may affect one’s physical strength and balance. What’s more, certain chores around the house may pose a threat because they involve reaching, lifting, using a stepladder, and more.
Rather than waiting for someone to help them, many people simply decide to go ahead and tackle the task. That can spell trouble. If an older individual who lives alone has a fall and no one is around to help them, this can exacerbate the problem.
Enjoy Your 60s at Conservatory At Keller Town Center
If you decide to join our retirement community at Conservatory At Keller Town Center, you can look forward to scrumptious chef-prepared meals, the best care team around, assistance with home maintenance and housekeeping tasks, beautiful grounds upon which to stroll, and more! We also organize interesting activities and events to provide ample opportunity for you to socialize and have fun. Schedule a tour today and see for yourself what we have to offer!
