Age comes with more benefits than we care to accept; wisdom, perspective, experience, and gratitude to name just a few. However, despite these wonderful benefits, there are downsides too, and the most prominent of these is your (sometimes) sudden lack of independence. It is unwanted, but wholly natural. Your body isn’t as young and fit as it once was, nor your mind as sharp. As such, it may be that you aren’t as capable to complete tasks as you once were.
Saying that, a care-home doesn’t have to be the only option, nor does it have to mean your independence is lost. That’s why we have compiled a few ways in which you may be able to retain your autonomy. Of course, residing in a home may to your benefit; on-hand help, people of a similar age, gorgeous gardens to wander. But if it’s not in your plan to stop fighting the good fight and get comfortable, then this is the list is for you. Enjoy.
Reduce The Risks
This covers a couple of topics, the first of which involves the immediate risks that surround you, that plague your home. You don’t want to be your worst best friend by leaving hazards dotted all over the place that, if you trip over, will see you put into hospital before a home. That is the worst way to see your independence get snatched from you as you regretfully pull on a blue apron that only hides half your dignity. So why not take a nice slow walk around your house, scrutinise the possibilities, identify any hazards and deal with them. Maybe that means throwing out your old doorstops, or putting your mops into the corner of a different room, or getting rid of the low end tables. If you have a cellar or an attic that you can store stuff in, then great, otherwise why not take a little trip down to the charity shop. All it will take is one nasty fall and you could do yourself a serious injury, and your body doesn’t quite recover as fast as it once did. Employ a cleaner, or get them to come in twice a week instead of once. Invest in a stairmaster, or a lift, or sell up and move to a bungalow. There are options and they are all good.
The other form of risk reduction you can make is medical insurance. Of course, knowing which type and at what cost can be a challenge in itself, so speak to someone in the know. Perhaps your friends can help with a reference, otherwise why not speak to a professional service, like the experts at floridamedicareadvantageplans.com. It may not seem like a direct means of reducing the risks, but if an accident does happen and you’re required to go into a home, then at least you’ll have the freedom to choose which one in the form of insurance funds.
Look After Your Body
Eat well, keep hydrated and exercise. They’re the three magic spells that can ensure you look after your body as best as possible. However, you are going to need to have a little more determination than you once did, because the thought of reclining in your favourite arm chair or sun lounger while eating badly and drinking frequently become harder to contest. You’ve endured a lot over your life; your body has experienced the wear and tear of an active life, and now seems like the perfect time to put your feet up. But it is in your very best interests to chomp on foods you know to be good for you, foods that will give you energy, give you that getup and go. Eat foods high in good nutrients, like green; fruits and veggies. And exercise regularly. We don’t mean jog or walk around the garden or anything boring like that, we mean to do something fun. Use this need for exercise as a chance to do something knew. Dance-classes are a great way to keep fit and smile. Yoga is an incredible way of achieving mental and physical wellbeing. Start swimming. There are loads of ways to keep your body healthy that are fun too, and the healthier you are, the more freedoms your body will allow you to enjoy.
It’s Never Too Late To Make New Friends
A great way to stay independent and, more importantly, enjoy your independence, is to maintain a social life. So why not organise two days a week where you and your old friends meet up, and why not try and make new friends too, by joining some local clubs and groups. Maybe you could even use your social skills to good effect and befriend someone else elderly through a charity. Go and visit them once a week, or call them. Loneliness is horrible, and it can affect the confidence you need to enjoy independence, so why not help someone else through this journey; it may be that they don’t have any immediate family to be there, or may have recently suffered the loss of a loved one, or a friend. We all have difficulties, so why not be the example they wish they had.
