Take care as life goes on
PEOPLE are living longer than ever before, thanks to modern hygiene and medicine. In the world’s more affluent countries, the average life expectancy is between 80 and 85 years, whereas in countries with lower health standards, life expectancy sits at around 53 years. Overall, life expectancies are on the rise worldwide. A recent study conducted at Stanford University found those who live to be older than 65, the average age of death increases by three years in every 25-year period – meaning that people can expect to live about six to nine years longer than their grandparents. Some estimates have pegged the limit of the human lifespan at around 115 years, although that is still open to debate.
Although South Africa’s socio-economic inequality means certain sectors of the population still have a lower life expectancy, the more affluent are certainly ageing in line with First World norms. Certain risks and ailments do come with getting older, but people’s increased longevity and quality of life means these are increasingly manageable. Not only that, but perceptions around getting older have shifted such there is now a much greater emphasis than ever before on senior lifestyle.
Getting older does not mean that people stop leading active lives. Although anyone over 60 is technically classed as a senior, many people in this age group and above are living engaging lives. They continue to have structure and meaning in their lives and this, in turn, promotes health and longevity.
Catering for the lives of modern seniors has necessitated a shift in our outlook on living arrangements. Although some people still retire from work at age 65, this is no longer regarded as “mandatory”, nor the beginning of some kind of decline. Many continue to work, or if they do not, they travel and take up sports and hobbies that keep them active and busy. Many would like a lockup-and-go, hassle-free lifestyle which has resulted in the advent of senior living communities, or continuing care retirement communities.
Such communities have been pioneered in countries like the US, UK and Australia and have set the new standard in living for seniors.
This is a new model of care in the South African market – and one which is quickly gaining in popularity. There are currently around 5.2 million people in South Africa over the age of 60. This is expected to increase to 6.6 million by 2030 and around 12 million by 2050. There is already more demand than supply in the senior living market.
The advent of Covid-19 has accelerated this as people realise the benefits of being in a well-managed environment where their health can be better protected. This, especially considering the greater susceptibility of seniors to the virus and they can also live a life with a greater semblance of “normality”, given the protective bubble of this environment.
Along with providing the support structures that might become necessary as one needs greater assistance, a well-structured senior living community will provide pro-actively designed health, nutrition and fitness programmes to promote agility and general wellness.
A Lancet study referenced by the NHS recently stated that “people who regularly give up their time to help others, stay active, learn new things and connect with others tend to have higher reported feelings of well-being”.
Barry Kaganson/chief executive of SA developer, Auria Senior Living