If you are aging, you certainly are not alone.
Approximately 12,000 people in the U.S. turn 65 every day, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and by 2029 older adults will outnumber children; 71 million U.S. residents will be aged 65-plus and 69 million residents will be under age 18.
Residents in senior living communities live longer (1.5 to 2 years longer) and live stronger and healthier, because of the preventive measures and wellness programs focused on nutrition, fitness, social engagement, and more that are incorporated into today’s senior living communities.
Those were the key takeaways from a recent Rye YMCA program called “Your Lifestyle, Your Choices: Senior Living Simplified” staged in partnership with Atria Rye Brook, The Osborn in Rye, and The Kensington White Plains.
More than 40 seniors aged 50 through 90 attended the program at the Rye Y Studios at 1037 Boston Post Rd.
The speakers included Atria’s Jacqueline Cummaro, Kensington’s Joanne Hubbard, and The Osborn’s Christa Daniello, who moderated the panel.
The question of whether to age in place in Rye or move into assisted living can become overwhelming with so many types of communities available. There is a veritable alphabet full of initials to describe the options, including Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and Special Needs Assisted Living Residences (SNALR), as well as independent living, assisted living, memory care, and rehab.
The experts described the differences between each, what services and support they provide, and which is the best based on your needs or the needs of a loved one. They described what their facilities offer — Atria Rye Brook (independent rental), The Kensington White Plains (assisted living and memory care), and The Osborn, which offers a continuum of care on its campus.
The numbers helped tell the story.
The “Silver Tsunami” describes the large population of Baby Boomers turning 65-plus, Daniello said.
The U.S. population age 65-plus grew from 2010 to 2020 at the fastest rate since 1880 to 1890 and reached 55.8 million, a 38.6 increase in just 10 years, she continued.
“Seventy is the new 50,” Daniello said. “People are living longer. Nearly half — 47 percent —of U.S. adults surveyed are most concerned about their ability to live independently as they age. With costs rising, the best time to plan is while you are still able to plan. We’re not trying to sell you anything, but we are here to help you gain the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision.”
She quoted Benjamin Franklin: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
As the one-hour session ended, she and her colleagues invited participants to tour their campuses just as though they were checking out colleges.
The Y has scheduled another Senior Living Simplified session for Oct. 8 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Rye Y Studios. Reservations are required. Call 914-967-6363 to register and for further information.
