Aging in place: Assessing your community Most people would rather stay in their homes as they grow older instead of moving to a retirement community or nursing home. The CDC defines "aging in place" as the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. Get your copy of Mobility and Independence   Mobility and Independence, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, will help you maintain your mobility and safeguard your independence. It will give you recommendations for exercise, diet, preventive care, and lifestyle choices that will keep you stronger and steadier with fewer aches and more stamina. Plus, you’ll get advice for aging in place, adapting and fall-proofing your home, choosing services, and more. Aging in place isn't about avoiding change. It's about making adaptations to your existing home and lifestyle as you age. Accessibility and safety are important factors when considering whether you should "age in place." The design of a community can affect the mobility of its residents Although you have limited control over how your neighborhood or city is designed, you can advocate for changes by bringing the issue to your condo or neighborhood association, your city council, or your state representative. Being aware of these issues can also help you decide whether to move, and where. Every neighborhood comes with trade-offs—you may prefer to live close to a family member, for instance, even if it's far from grocery stores. But taking an inventory of how your neighborhood meets your needs can help you find ways to work around the challenges. Public transportation. Most people outlive their ability to drive. Yet some communities that cater to retirees are far from urban areas with robust public transit systems. And many centers that offer affordable housing and services to older adults are located in suburbs inconvenient to shopping centers and grocery stores. While these places are attractive because they offer quiet, peaceful living "away from it all," they become much more isolating if you can't drive, or if driving is challenging for you. Having access to reliable public transportation could allow you to remain independent and active as you age. Some communities offer special shuttles or dial-a-ride services to seniors and people with disabilities who have trouble getting to transit stops and stations, or who need transport to major medical centers for treatment. Driveability. How easy is it to drive in your community? If you are in an area that's frequently affected by snowstorms, is there a reliable plowing service? Are streets well marked, and can you park easily at grocery stores, medical centers, and other places you frequent? Walkability. Living in a walkable neighborhood can vastly improve your health and mobility by encouraging you to use your body to get around rather than driving. Even if you regularly go to a gym or work out at home, the ability to easily and safely walk to a grocery store or do other errands on foot will add to your daily activity level. A walkable neighborhood generally has dedicated sidewalks and marked crossings for pedestrians, and shops, parks, and other destinations within walking distance. Weather and climate matter too; if you live in a place that is stiflingly hot in the summer or dangerously icy in the winter, that will affect how much you walk. Safety. How older adults perceive the safety of their neighborhoods shapes their health. One survey of 18,000 people over age 50 found that those who perceived neighborhoods as unsafe were more likely to experience functional decline over a 10-year period and were less likely to recover from mobility problems. But perceptions don't always match reality; in some cases, the solution may be not to move but to improve a person's sense of personal safety. Access to shops and services. Access to grocery stores with fresh food is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and also for preserving independence with aging. So is access to pharmacies, clinics, and any other services you depend on for your health. Access to nature. Does your home have easy access to a park, community garden, lake, or other natural space? These can provide walking destinations, and motivate you to get outside and avoid isolation. Research has linked regular access to nature with improvements in health and well-being. Social environment. Do you have relatives or friends who live near you and whom you visit regularly? Are there places where you can socialize and meet other people, like community centers, fitness centers, or clubs? Are there any neighborhood social activities? Some people pursue retirement dreams that involve moving to places where they have always wanted to live, only to find they are more isolated from family and friends. To learn more about ways to maintain your independence, read Mobility and Independence, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Image: monkeybusinessimages/iStock Share this story:

5 ways to keep your feet healthy for better mobility Feet are easy to neglect — but it pays dividends when you take care of them. As we age, chronic foot pain and common foot problems (such as tendinitis, bunions, and arthritis) can increasingly limit mobility. But taking a few simple steps to care for your feet can help you preserve — or even improve — your mobility. Here are five of our favorites. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight affects your feet by putting greater force on them with each step. It can also increase your risk of having a condition like arthritis in the feet and worsen pain from other foot problems. Being overweight can also harm foot health by putting you at higher risk for diabetes or poor blood circulation, which can lead to foot pain and loss of sensation in the feet. Wear good shoes.  Shoe fashions come and go, but a lifetime of wearing comfortable shoes is one of the best preventive measures you can take to ensure your mobility. Wearing tight shoes or high heels now and then for a night out won't cause lasting damage. But when you know you'll be on your feet most of the day, choose supportive, comfortable shoes. Invest in well-fitting athletic shoes for running, aerobics, and other high-impact activities.  Moisturize your feet. The skin of the feet tends to get thinner and drier with age; callused feet can crack and bleed, causing pain. To keep the skin soft, rub a thick moisturizing lotion into your feet after showers or baths as needed (but avoid the spaces in between the toes, where too much moisture can lead to infections). Practice good foot hygiene. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly when you shower or bathe. Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove calluses. If you wear nail polish on your toes, keep the nails healthy by letting them "breathe" for a couple of days after you remove it and before adding more. Stretch your feet. People don't usually think about stretching the tops and bottoms of their feet, but stretches can help you treat — and prevent — foot pain. Stretches for the Achilles' tendon are also important. For more ways to preserve your mobility as you age, read Mobility and Independence, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Image: iStock Share this story:

Featured in this issue

Mobility and Independence Featured content: • Mobility and quality of life     • Prime movers: Knees and hips • A good foundation: Feet and ankles        • A stable support: Your back and posture • Masterful muscles        • Balancing act    • The mind and senses: Staying sharp Click here to read more »