NIH Radio
There's No Place Like Home for Growing Older
Brief Description:
According to the deputy director of the National Institute on Aging, there's no reason why most seniors can't stay independent and keep living at home.
Transcript:
Schmalfeldt: These days, getting older doesn't mean you're on the fast track to the "old folks home". To be sure, there are some common concerns about getting older — especially for folks who want to maintain an independent standard of living. But, the good news is, there's help out there for people who want to enjoy their golden years in their own homes. Doctor Judith Salerno — Deputy Director of the National Institute on Aging — says there's no reason why most older Americans can't stay independent.
Salerno: You have to plan ahead for that. If you have a chronic condition, talk to your doctor about what complications might occur that might affect your independence. You have to get to know what is available in the area you live: what resources are there? What opportunities are there for you to plan for the services you might need?
Schmalfeldt: Doctor Salerno said most communities already have available information for older americans who want to keep living at home. You can check with your local agency on aging, with your local senior center, or through the NIA's "Information Center". To get access to that info — as well as free publications — call the toll-free number, 800-222-2225. From the National Institutes of Health, I'm Bill Schmalfeldt, in Bethesda, Maryland.
About This Audio Report
Date: 5/22/2005
Reporter: Bill Schmalfeldt
Sound Bite: Dr. Judith Salerno
Topic: Aging
Institute(s): NIA
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