Independence is a central element of life at every stage. Toddlers are trying to learn the basics of independence, like talking, eating, and walking. Fast forward, and teenagers are fighting to get as much independence as possible. Then we spend our adult lives trying to do everything ourselves, frequently afraid to ask for help. Then, as seniors, many of us find we can’t do everything on our own anymore.
At every stage, there is an ebb and a flow to independence. It isn’t all or nothing or black and white. We’re never completely independent or completely dependent. No matter how much independence we have, we all need a little help from time to time. In some stages of life, we just need more help than others.
Tips to Maintain Independence as an Older Adult
February is National Senior Independence Month. It’s a chance to learn more about what independence looks like as a senior. We’re offering our best tips and tricks for maintaining independence as you age.
Stay Active
Staying active is important at every age. It has a direct impact on how you look and feel physically and mentally. It can also be one of the simplest things you can do to promote and maintain independence. It doesn’t have to mean vigorous daily exercise and lifting intense weights. It doesn’t even have to involve making time for the gym. Try simple things like parking at the back of a parking lot to get extra steps, taking the stairs instead of the elevator (when it’s safe to do so), or walking around your neighborhood or block.
If you want something a little more involved, there are many options for low impact workouts. These types of exercises are typically easier on the joints, especially the knees. Consider finding a pool near you and swimming laps or joining a group class like water aerobics. Gyms and fitness centers may also offer classes such as chair yoga.
Did you know most Medicare recipients are eligible for free gym memberships through Silver Sneakers? Contact a gym near you to find out if they partner with Silver Sneakers and see if you are eligible.
Pay Attention to Diet
This might seem misleading at first. Usually when we talk about diet, we’re talking about dieting, or controlling what we eat in order to lose weight. But paying attention to diet is different. It more simply just means paying attention to, or thinking about, what you eat. In this case, things like calories and fat are less important than overall nutrition. Eating a balanced diet that contains fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and protein can help you feel physically and mentally well as much as physical activity can. This isn’t to say you can’t or shouldn’t indulge in your favorite treat from time to time. Just try to use moderation and think about whether your diet is well balanced.
Keep Social
Social activity is a crucial element of physical and mental wellbeing. Like we’ve been discussing, physical and mental wellbeing are key to maintaining independence as we age. Talking to a friend, sharing a meal with a loved one, or attending a game night are all great ways to keep social. They can also help you stay mentally sharper, which is helpful for maintaining independence.
Seek Advice and Support
Sometimes our independence changes because of a medical condition or ailment. You may even associate it with a part of getting older, like aching joints or falling more often. While that is sometimes the case, it could be something more serious. You should always talk to your doctor about changes in your health.
Even if the aches and pains you feel aren’t part of an underlying condition, there may be things your doctor can suggest to help you. For instance, physical and occupational therapy can be a great way to improve your mobility, decrease pain, and learn new ways to complete daily activities. If simple tasks, like doing laundry, seem to be more of a challenge physically, occupational therapy can help you find a way to do it that is easier and causes less pain and frustration. If you’re starting to struggle with some of your daily tasks, be sure to mention it to your doctor and see if therapy could help.
Try New Technologies
In this day and age, “technology” probably makes you think of things like phones and computers. While that’s true, when it comes to maintaining your independence “technology” goes much further. One thing that could be helpful, especially if you live alone, is fall detection technology. There are many different options, but many of them look like a watch. If these detect that you’ve fallen, they can call for help. Many also have an emergency response button so you can call for help with the push of a button, whether it detects a fall or not.
A newer technology that is popular with people of all ages is smart home technology. There are many options for ways you can set your home up as a smart home, but some of the most popular are lights, outlets, thermostats, and locks. Once you have your devices set up, you can use an app on your smartphone or a voice command to turn lights on and off, adjust the temperature, or even make sure your doors are locked. There are even smart home options for stoves so you can make sure the stove doesn’t accidentally get turned on or left on. These features can all make day-to-day life easier which helps with maintaining independence.
Continue Hobbies
You might think of hobbies as a pastime. But there are other benefits to having hobbies. Engaging in a hobby gives your brain something to do. This can go a long way to helping you stay more mentally sharp. Keeping your brain engaged through hobbies can be great for maintaining independence as you age.
Find Resources
Just like we don’t grow up or go through life on our own, we don’t age on our own either. There are a lot of community resources that exist specifically for older adults. Using resources for some of the things you need assistance with can help you maintain independence with the things you don’t need assistance with.
One of the first things you may find becomes more challenging is driving. Especially when it’s dark or the weather is bad. Not driving doesn’t mean you have to give up independence. Many communities have programs available to help older adults with transportation, such as senior centers. You can also look into options such as public buses or ride hailing apps. If you need transportation to a doctors appointment, your insurance may even pay.
Other tasks you may want to find resources to assist with might be a meal delivery service and housekeeping. Getting help with the tasks you need assistance with can give you more energy and ability to maintain your independence with other tasks.
Monitor for Changes
Independence and the need for assistance are continuously changing. Just because you need no assistance today doesn’t mean you won’t need some assistance next week. Similarly, just because you need a lot of assistance today doesn’t mean you’ll always need that much help.
It’s important to know your body, lifestyle, and routines. Pay attention to when things feel different or more challenging. If a task is becoming more difficult, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your independence altogether. You may just need to find a technology, tool, or resource that can help. Whenever you notice changes, talk to your doctor. They can make sure there isn’t something causing the changes and may be able to offer suggestions for getting help and maintaining independence.
When it comes to independence, we can be our own worst enemies. It’s natural to feel scared or worried about losing independence. But getting help when you need it doesn’t make you dependent. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Senior Living and Independence
It’s not uncommon to think that senior living means giving up all independence. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. At most senior living communities, the goal is to provide assistance when it’s needed while promoting independence.
In fact, “independence” is in the name sometimes. “Independent” living’s main goal is for residents to live completely independently but offer a social lifestyle, maintenance-free living, and options for fewer chores. At independent living communities, residents don’t have to worry about things like routine maintenance, snow removal, and landscaping. Plus, many offer housekeeping and dining options.
Even as someone begins to need more support with daily activities, senior living is here to promote independence as much as possible. For example, assisted living residents may get help with showering. But that doesn’t mean they have to get help with everything. As long as they are able to do so safely, they can continue to get dressed on their own. Needing help with one task doesn’t mean senior living residents are forced to receive help with all tasks.
Senior living can be a great option to maintain independence as you age. At The Ohio Masonic Communities, our campuses offer ways to maintain your independence and thrive. We have three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio. If you are interested in learning more or seeing how senior living can promote independence for yourself, give us a call at 1 (877) 881-1623 or contact us here.