Resources

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No two aging journeys are exactly alike. Your preferences, priorities, and plans may look very different from those of your friends or family members—and that’s okay. Aging is deeply personal. Yet, despite the uniqueness of each journey, there are some universal needs that we all must consider as we grow older.

Whether you choose to age in place or explore community living, your quality of life will depend on how well these essential needs are met.

•  Social Connectedness
   
• Home Maintenance
   
• Nutrition
   
• Transportation
   
• Medication Management
   
• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Social connection is essential at every age. It looks different for everyone, but it’s always important—especially in older adulthood. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health epidemic in America.

Strong social bonds help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, dementia, depression, and even diabetes. Staying connected doesn’t have to be complicated:

• Join a walking group or fitness class
   
• Pick up a new hobby with others
   
• Volunteer for a cause you care about
   

These activities not only bring joy but help you feel part of something bigger. 

Home upkeep becomes more demanding as we age. Tasks like cleaning gutters, changing filters, or trimming trees may become unsafe or exhausting. Delayed maintenance can also affect your home's value.

Consider bringing in support services such as:

• Housekeeping
   
• Landscaping
   
• Professional property management (even while you still live in your home)
   

Help at home means more time and energy for the things you enjoy.

Planning meals, grocery shopping, and cooking can become overwhelming—even for those who once loved it. The result? Many older adults skip meals or rely on processed foods with limited nutritional value. Alarmingly, nearly 50% of older Americans are malnourished, according to the Administration for Community Living.

Fortunately, help is available: 

• Meal prep kits
   
• Meal delivery services
   
• In-home care providers who assist with cooking
   

Good nutrition is the foundation for staying strong and independent.

Losing the ability to drive or use public transit due to vision or mobility changes can lead to isolation. It can also result in missed medical appointments and reduced social interaction.

Thankfully, there are options:

• Rideshare apps (like Uber or Lyft)
   
• San Diego Volunteer Driver Coalition (sdcvd.org)
   
• FACT (factsd.org – Facilitated Access to Coordinated Transportation)
   
• Transportation services through in-home care companies
   

Maintaining mobility keeps you connected to your community and your care.

Managing medications correctly—taking the right dose at the right time—is crucial. Missed or doubled doses can lead to serious health risks, especially for those with complex prescriptions or memory concerns.

Helpful tools include:

• Daily pill organizers
   
• Automatic pill dispensers
   
• Medication reminders through apps or caregivers
   

Staying on track with medication helps keep you safe and well..

ADLs include basic self-care tasks like:

• Transferring (getting in and out of a bed or a chair)
   
• Bathing
   
• Dressing
   
• Grooming
   
• Toileting

Support with ADLs varies from person to person. Some may need physical assistance; others may just need reminders. Understanding your current and future needs can help you plan the right kind of support.