Five steps to elderly independence
The feeling of being able to do what we like, when we like, is a fundamental part of us being us.
Seeing the people we love. Getting involved in the hobbies that make us tick. Going on trips to new and exciting destinations.
As we get older, in some ways we’ve never had more freedom. We’ve got the time. We’re more likely to have the money. Unfortunately, for many of us, it’s our bodies that seem to let us down. It can be incredibly frustrating. It can infringe on our feeling of freedom. Here are a few ways we can stay independent as we get old.
Keep doing the things you love
Nothing is more integral to our independence than keeping up with the things that make us happy. Hobbies keep our minds motivated. They add purpose and structure to our days. As we get older, getting the basics, such as cooking and cleaning, done can take up more time than it used to. Meaning, less time to focus on what really makes us happy. From collecting model train sets to playing garden bowls, visiting museums to reading classic literature, there’s nothing more independent than doing the things we love.
Adjust your activities
Just because we can’t move around quite how we used to, it doesn’t mean we can’t keep doing the activities we always have. If you’re a lover of peaceful walks in the countryside, don’t hang up the hiking boots, just tone down the number of miles. Enjoy taking things at a more leisurely pace. If you’re green-fingered, just reduce the number of hours you’re out in the garden to a duration you feel more comfortable with. Making small adjustments reduces the strain on our bodies and means we can retain the independence of movement.
Unlock the money from your home
We seem to spend our entire lives paying off our mortgage, building up our wealth. Now’s the time to spend it. Money brings options. It can provide us with the independence to go out there and enjoy ourselves. Equally, the freedom to keep our independence by getting in some home help. There are now plenty of ways we’re able to unlock money from our homes, without damaging what we’re going to be handing on to our family too much.
Book that trip away
With an increasing number of specialist holiday providers, there’s no need to stay grounded. Whether it’s a relaxing cruise in the Med, or a staycation somewhere a bit closer to home, getting out of the day-to-day routine, seeing somewhere new, with a bunch of new faces can help us stay positive and outward looking. It can remind us that although we’re getting a little older, we’re still independent and still able to take on the world.
Get the support you need
It can be difficult to accept we need that bit of extra help. However, nowadays, getting great care doesn’t mean moving to a care home. Companies such as Elder mean we’re now able to get the care we need, while staying in the home we love. Their carers are character-matched to your personality and live-in your home, offering 24/7 support. Providing help with everything from cooking and cleaning to more complex needs. It means you can stay independent in your own home while getting the support you need.
For your free care consultation, call Elder now on 0330 134 7627.
