As a child, you rely on your parents, and as an adult, you are required to work. It is only when you retire that you are truly free to do whatever you want with your time, but there’s a catch – your body begins to slow down, often resulting in reduced independence.
Relying on others to get through the day can be disheartening, especially when you feel like the same youthful person on the inside. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to make your senior years your own. If you’ve reached retirement age and you want to ensure you maintain as much of your independence as possible, read on.
Keep Moving
The more you move, the easier it becomes. If you spend all your years sitting on the couch or lying in bed, you’ll later find that it is challenging to even walk down the road. If you make sure you get up and outside every day, however, you’ll find that your body keeps letting you do that. The simple secret to keeping your body young is to keep moving, so incorporate simple exercises into your routine to ensure you can get around without help for longer.
Use Assisted Living
Requiring extra care doesn’t mean the death of your independence. In fact, there are plenty of care options that allow you to live your life as you please while receiving the healthcare you require.
Therefore, if you suffer from mobility issues, cognitive decline, or any other health issues that make it difficult to live alone, consider joining an assisted living community. So, according to Caregiverslist‘s website, it is vital to verify the qualifications of different providers in your area, as well as make sure they have the right training and can provide the right level of care.
According to Brightview Senior Living, assisted living communities are perfect for those who are looking for a safe, comfortable home with on-site healthcare while also keeping their independence.
Join a Club
Part of your independence comes from your interests, so pursue them by joining a club. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy something you truly love all at the same time. There’s usually plenty of clubs for seniors in local communities, so ask around and choose one that sparks your interest.
Live Close to Relatives
If you have some health problems, but you don’t struggle enough to leave home or hire a home health aide, it’s a good idea to live close to your family. Not only does it mean you can see your loved ones more often, but it also means they are close by to help if something goes wrong, allowing you to live independently most of the time while knowing help isn’t too far.
Learn Something New
Most people think the time to learn new things is when you are younger, and while that is partially true, there is no reason you can’t learn a new skill or subject as a senior. By doing this, you will keep your brain engaged while pursuing a hobby that is entirely yours and yours only. You could even look into short courses at local universities and pursue something you’ve always wanted to try! After all, once you’ve retired, you have the time.
Use Modern Technology
The technology of today allows you to read, learn, communicate, and entertain yourself without having to leave your home. This is perfect for those who struggle to leave their homes often, as it can be both isolating and disheartening to watch the world go by without you. While you shouldn’t substitute a smartphone for fresh air, on the days where getting up is a challenge, being able to FaceTime your grandchildren and play an online game with your friend can be the perfect way to lift your spirits.
