A common concern for many older adults is losing their independence as their physical and mental health declines. Being completely self-sufficient might be harder because of the natural effects of aging, whether you experience challenges with mobility or your health. But today, there are more resources than ever that can help you make your own decisions.
Stay Connected with Others
One of the biggest challenges aging adults face is the ability to stay connected with others. Social connections can improve your wellbeing, no matter your age. Not having strong social connections can reduce your quality of life and even lead to health conditions, which could result in further loss of independence. When you are raising your family and working, you likely had lots of social connections from your activities.
However, as your kids grow up and you retire, you may no longer be in contact with those you used to see regularly. Putting yourself out there to make new friends can be challenging, especially if you are not naturally outgoing, but it is also extremely rewarding. Because you may no longer have a job or small children to keep you occupied, you might consider joining a club, volunteering, or even getting a part time job.
Add a Home Elevator
If your home has multiple levels, you may find stairs are increasingly difficult to navigate. But thanks to home elevators, you don’t have to leave the home you love. Today, elevators come in many styles, and it is easy to find a unique elevator for the home to help you stay as independent as possible.
Explore Solutions to Possible Problems
Being able to make your own decisions will contribute toward a sense of independence. The first step is admitting you need help and understanding what kind of help you will need. You can then find resources to reach a solution on your own. If you find driving at night is challenging but you live in an area where the days are short in the winters, you may want to look to public transportation or ride sharing for times you can’t drive yourself. Or if tasks around the house have become difficult, you might be able to use technology to automate some of them, such as getting a robot vacuum cleaner.
Have Clear Goals
If you start to lose some of your independence, you may feel depressed and hopeless, which can negatively affect your mental and physical health. On the other hand, when you are independent, it is easier to get involved in activities, which can give you goals and a sense of purpose. You might do something you have always done or do something entirely new, but there are plenty of chances to contribute to others’ lives, whether it’s family members, neighbors, or strangers. Being able to set and reach your goals can have a huge impact, even if you don’t feel like you have huge goals. Having a sense of purpose stems from successfully meeting new challenges, even if it requires you to find something else that you haven’t done before.
