As people get older, they often find it more difficult to care for themselves. Aging adults who still want to maintain their independence, however, aren’t ready to let someone else in an elderly care facility care for them. So what should they do?
While it will get harder over time, there are a few ways that elderly adults can make their own self-care easier. Read on for a few tips.
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Know Your Limits
If you want to maintain your optimal health and well-being, it’s important that you know your limits and don’t try to surpass them. While you should challenge yourself, you shouldn’t challenge yourself to the point of injury.
First, consider your ability to continue working. It’s common for older adults to stop working full-time jobs as soon as they’re able to do so. Consider taking a functional capacity evaluation to determine whether you’re still able to do your job. This will also help you qualify for Social Security benefits.
If you’re noticing that you’re struggling to drive, take note of that and consider taking a driver’s test or stopping altogether.
There are plenty of things that you can do to gauge your abilities as you’re getting older.
Stay Active
All seniors should make an effort to stay active as they age. This will help you retain your mobility and strength so you can stay independent as long as possible. You’ll live longer and better if you continue exercising.
There are activities for people of all fitness levels. While it’s ideal to do moderate or high-intensity exercises when it comes to maintaining optimal health, even going for daily walks is going to be helpful.
Consider taking group fitness classes so you can also stay social as you age. Socializing will help you maintain your mental health.
Ask for Occasional Help
While you may want to stay independent, there’s nothing wrong with accepting help every now and again. People of all ages need help.
Talk to friends and family members first. Many people are more than happy to offer help as long as they’re able to do so. If they’re unable to help, consider looking for caregivers that can provide services when you need them.
Accepting help doesn’t make you less independent. Use your resources.
Make Your Home Accessible
There may come a time when you need to make a few changes to your home (or move altogether) to make sure that you can navigate it safely and easily.
If you’ve suffered a fall, consider installing handrails in your hallways and restroom. If you have stairs, it might be time to consider moving into a single-story home or an apartment with an elevator.
Give yourself accessibility tools like a shower seat so you can shower on your own even if you struggle with your mobility.
Many people think that having these helpful accessibility tools means that they’re less independent, but this isn’t true. These tools make you more independent because you don’t need to rely on another person to complete your daily tasks.
Aging Adults Can Stay Independent
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