We're all going to get old. It's one of those facts that's easy to ignore when you're young, but becomes harder to ignore with each passing year. And as more of us live longer, we're having to figure out how to deal with a stage of life our ancestors rarely reached.
One of the big questions is: what do old people actually need help with?
The first thing to understand is that what old people need most is often not what you'd expect. It's not always about physical limitations. Often, it's about maintaining independence and dignity.
Take cooking, for example. You might think old people need help with cooking because it's physically demanding. But often, the real issue is more subtle. It's not that they can't cook, it's that cooking for one person seems pointless. So they end up eating poorly, not because they can't prepare meals, but because they've lost the motivation to do so.
This is a common theme. Many of the problems old people face aren't direct results of physical decline, but indirect results of changes in their life situation. They stop doing things not because they can't, but because they've lost the reason to do them.
Another surprising insight is how important technology has become. You might think old people and technology don't mix, but that's increasingly untrue. Many seniors are quite comfortable with smartphones and tablets. What they need help with is often not using the technology, but choosing which technology to use.
There's a dizzying array of gadgets and apps designed for seniors. Some are useful, many are not. What old people often need is not someone to show them how to use technology, but someone to help them figure out which technology is worth using.
Transportation is another area where the real need is often different from what you'd expect. It's not just about getting from A to B. It's about maintaining social connections. When people stop driving, they often become isolated. The real need isn't just for rides, but for ways to stay connected to their community.
Home maintenance is a big issue, but not always in the way you might think. It's not just about being physically unable to do tasks. It's about knowing what needs to be done and when. Many seniors can still do a lot of home maintenance tasks, they just need help remembering when to do them and prioritizing what's important.
Financial management is another area where the needs are often misunderstood. It's not that seniors can't handle money. Many are quite savvy. The issue is often about adapting to new systems. Online banking, for example, can be a challenge not because it's too complex, but because it's so different from what they're used to.
Health care is obviously a huge concern, but again, the real need is often not what you'd expect. It's not always about getting treatment for illnesses. It's about navigating the healthcare system. Understanding insurance, choosing between options, coordinating between different doctors – these are often the real challenges.
Perhaps the most important insight is about decision-making. As people age, they often face big decisions about where to live, how to manage their health, and how to spend their money. What they need most is often not someone to make these decisions for them, but someone to help them understand their options.
This points to a general principle: the goal should be to support independence, not to take it away. Too often, help for seniors is about doing things for them, when what they really need is support in doing things for themselves.
There's a broader lesson here that applies well beyond caring for the elderly. When you're trying to help someone, it's easy to make assumptions about what they need. But often, the real need is different from what you'd expect. The best way to help is usually to start by really understanding the problem.
This is true in startups too. The most successful startups are often the ones that identify a need that everyone else has overlooked. They succeed not because they have better solutions, but because they're solving the real problem.
So whether you're building a product, caring for an elderly relative, or just trying to help a friend, it's worth taking the time to really understand what they need. The answer might surprise you. And that surprise might be the key to actually helping.
As you consider making your home more accessible and comfortable for aging-in-place, remember that a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can provide invaluable expertise. These professionals are trained to understand the unique needs of older adults and can help create safe, functional living spaces that promote independence. If you're looking to hire a CAPS professional in your area, don't hesitate to contact us for recommendations. We can connect you with experienced specialists who can turn your aging-in-place vision into reality. On the other hand, if you're inspired to become a CAPS professional yourself and join this rewarding field, we encourage you to explore the opportunity. Click here to learn more about the CAPS certification process, including upcoming training dates and requirements. Whether you're seeking assistance or looking to start a new career path, the world of CAPS has much to offer.
Fritzi Gros-Daillon MS, CSA, CAPS, UDCP, SHSS
Household Guardians, Owner
2019 NAHB Instructor of the Year
Published author of "Grace and Grit: Insights to Real Life Challenges of Aging"
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