5 Tips to Stay Independent as You Age

Maintaining your independence as you get older can be challenging. You may discover that you require more assistance with day-to-day activities or have less energy for household tasks. But, there are steps you may do to maintain your independence for as long as possible. Here are some tips for living independently and safely.

Exercise Your Body

One of the best ways to keep your independence as you age is to exercise. It doesn’t take much to get started, and it can be just as effective whether you work out on your own, with a personal trainer, or in a group class. 

• Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and help maintain mobility.
• Strength training: Strength training exercises such as lifting weights or using resistance bands can help maintain muscle mass and bone density, which can decrease the risk of falls and injuries.
• Yoga: Yoga can improve balance, flexibility, and strength, and can also reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
• Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that can improve balance, flexibility, and strength, and reduce the risk of falls.
• Water aerobics: Water aerobics is a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength, and can also reduce the risk of falls.
• Cycling: Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health and can be done indoors or outdoors.
• Chair exercises: Chair exercises are a great option for older adults with limited mobility or balance issues. Exercises can be done while sitting in a chair or using the chair for support.

When beginning a new exercise program, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns. A skilled fitness instructor can also advise older adults on safe and effective workouts.

Exercise Your Mind 

Keeping your body in physical shape is one thing, but keeping your mind in shape is just as important.

You can also play board games with your friends that need strategy and planning to win. Exercising your mind will help it stay sharper for longer periods of time and may even help you avoid disorders like Alzheimer’s later in life.

There are numerous techniques to keep your mind fresh, and they do not all require you to read a book or watch the news. If you want to push your mind while also having fun, consider puzzles and games that challenge your brain, such as Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and word searches.

Home Improvements and Saftey

We become more prone to mishaps and falls as we age, even in our own homes. This is why it is important to make your home safe for older adults. The more you can do to keep yourself from falling, the better.

Here are some suggestions for adding to your home:

• Slip-resistant flooring – If you live alone, it’s important that your floors be safe to walk on. Textured flooring can help to prevent slips and falls.
• Shower grab bars – For those who have trouble getting into and out of the shower, grab bars are a simple solution to avoid injuries when showering. It’s also important to make sure these grip bars are securely fastened so they don’t slide around when you’re using them!
• Extra lighting, particularly in low-light areas- For seniors who are prone to falls, walking in the dark is a dangerous idea. Installing lights in your home, including motion-censored lights, can help you avoid falls and injuries when walking around at night (or even during the day!).

Stay Social 

As adults age, it is essential that they spend time with family and friends. It is common for seniors to grow alienated and depressed as they lose their independence. Making plans for social time can help your loved one feel more independent while maintaining these relationships. Speak to family members about making regular visits, phone calls, and letters to your loved one. Look into local senior centers and encourage your loved one to take a class or participate in an activity he or she enjoys, such as puzzle solving, crafting, or cooking.

Respite care can be a good alternative for families in Maryland when their aging loved ones require companionship and socializing a few hours per week or just require minimal assistance with household tasks.  At Thrive USA Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Stay Organized

As you age, it can become more challenging to manage daily tasks and appointments. Staying organized can help you stay on top of things. Use a calendar, create to-do lists, and keep important documents and information in a safe place.

As you age, taking good care of yourself will allow you to live independently and safely.

Your body may change as you age, and you will need to adjust. The idea is to make these changes gradually and to be conscious of what is going on as it happens. Continue to do your best to maintain your health, but don’t be disheartened if you need to make some changes. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are numerous tools available to assist you in remaining independent, healthy, and safe as you age.

Following these tips and adopting some small lifestyle changes will allow you to continue doing the activities you enjoy while also feeling independent. If you live in Maryland and have any additional questions about senior independence, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help!