How to Maintain Independence as a Senior

For most seniors, the ability to maintain one’s independence as they age is a major factor. As we all know, aging is a natural phenomenon and one that makes living independently increasingly difficult. Challenges with isolation, loneliness and financial hardships are some of the factors that contribute to loss of independence in the elderly. 

Luckily, maintaining independence has never been easier, thanks to the sheer number of programs, services and resources available to help the elderly. Click here to find out more. Simply put, you do not have to allow your senior days to dictate what you can and can’t do. By paying attention to a few key aspects, we are going to look at how you can keep your independence, even as you age. 

The Importance of Maintaining Independence

Losing independence as you get older can be discouraging and stressful, especially when you have spent your whole life living independently. Chances are you were accustomed to making your own decisions, working and raising a family. Also, it has been shown to result in depression and worsen other medical conditions. On the other hand, social interaction and physical movement increase blood flow to the brain, which fends off conditions like dementia.

Some common advantages of independence as a senior shows how it is important to empower the elderly to lead independent lives:

-Having a sense of purpose

-Feeling like a person

-Helping with memory skills

-Maintaining strength and balance

So how can the elderly maintain independence? 

It is impossible to avoid all the aging effects that make independence challenging. However, there are several key aspects that can help improve the ability to lead your life as you deem fit. 

1. Stay on Top of Your Health

Staying on top of your health will play a huge role in preventing small issues from worsening. Regardless of your gender or age, the basic of staying healthy as you get older is the same:

-Eat a healthy diet

-Stay active both mentally and physically

-Get adequate sleep

-Get regular dental and eye checkups

-Keep up with health screenings routine

-Take any prescription medication as advised. 

2. Stay Physically Active

Working out, even for 30 minutes a day has been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, and some forms of cancer. This means staying physically active can help you stay healthier longer in your senior years. 

Exercise also helps you maintain strength and balance, two key factors in an individual’s ability to remain independent. Seniors who do not work on strength are likely to lose core balance and muscle mass, which puts them at a bigger risk of falls and injuries that can take a toll on their independence. 

3. Stay Socially Connected

This is another vital aspect of staying healthy, regardless of your age. However, it is even more imperative for the elderly. Social well-being and relationship satisfaction can help promote physical and mental health both now and later in life. 

A lack of meaningful social connections comes with unhealthy behaviors, reduced quality of life as well as poor health outcomes. In order to maintain a sense of purpose and belonging, it is advisable to keep social connections with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. This results in improved memory skills, a greater feeling of independence as well as greater activity. 

4. Have Your Plans in Place

Documenting your wishes for assets and health well before you need to is a great way to keep control of your decisions as you get older. In addition, it gets rid of the stress that your family would have to endure and guides them in ensuring your wishes come to life. 

In this regard, there are several documents you will want to have at hand including a will, a living trust,  a healthcare power of attorney as well as a power of attorney for your finances.