10 Essential Tips for Maintaining Independence in Your Golden Years

Aging in place means living independently as you get older. It’s about more than just taking care of yourself physically; it also involves managing your finances and ensuring your home environment is safe and accessible. Good health is the foundation of maintaining independence.

Carrie Voightman and Whitney Hubrig, both from Sanford Home Health, offer advice on how to navigate the challenges of aging at home. They emphasize the importance of both physical and mental well-being.

Staying Active Rather Than “Too Old”

One key piece of advice is to avoid thinking, “I’m too old.” Hubrig encourages everyone to stay active, noting that even small activities can improve your quality of life. Activities should cater to the things you love to do.

Regular health check-ups are crucial. Make sure to keep up with medications and screenings to manage any chronic health issues.

Engaging Your Mind and Socializing

Voightman highlights that cognitive health is just as important as physical health. Engaging in brain games, reading, or taking classes can help maintain mental sharpness. Social interactions are vital too; they can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. Joining clubs or volunteering can help keep you connected to others.

Physical Health: Strength and Balance

Strength training is an excellent way to stay physically healthy, and you don’t need fancy gym equipment to get started. Bodyweight exercises, like squats or leg lifts, can be done at home. Activities like walking or water aerobics are great for heart health and are easy on the joints.

Balance exercises are essential, too. Simple actions like standing on one leg or weight-shifting can reduce the risk of falls. Hubrig advises incorporating functional movements into your routine, which mimics daily actions like standing up from a chair.

Dealing with Injuries

If you experience an injury, seek professional help. Understand the cause of your injury and adjust your activity to promote healing. A physical therapist can guide you through safe exercises and proper lifting techniques to prevent further issues.

Starting Exercise Routines

If you’re new to exercising, remember to start slowly. Set small, achievable goals, like walking a little each day. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t commit to long workout sessions; every bit of activity counts.

Making Your Home Safe

Voightman suggests some practical steps to create a safer home for aging:

• Clear pathways to reduce the risk of falls. Remove rugs and clutter that could cause tripping.
• Ensure good lighting, especially at night. Consider nightlights in key areas.
• Install grab bars in bathrooms to assist with balance, especially near toilets and showers.
• Explore safety technology, like medical alert systems or medication reminders.
• Store frequently used items at waist level to avoid reaching high and losing balance.
• Adjust your bed height so you can get in and out easily without needing a step stool.
• If you use a walker, consider adding a bench in the shower for safety.

Support from Sanford Health Equip

Sanford Health Equip offers equipment and support to help maintain independence at home. Their team can assist with everything from assessing your needs to providing the right tools for your lifestyle.

Among their specialists are:

• Respiratory therapists who help set up necessary breathing equipment.
• Orthotists and prosthetists who design custom medical devices.
• Assistive technology professionals who find the right devices for individual needs.
• Durable medical equipment sales staff to guide you in selecting home equipment.
• Home medical supplies experts to ensure you have what you need for in-home care.
• Mastectomy specialists offering support for post-surgery options.
• Service technicians who maintain and repair medical equipment.