Steps to Maintaining Your Independence and Quality of Life

The price of not planning for the future may  be summed up best by former New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra when he said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” What can you do now to end up where you want to be and ensure you are getting the most out of life? There are many things to consider – and steps to take – when it comes to maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age.

Maintaining Independence While Being Proactive

DETERMINING YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS

What are your physical needs? Do you need help with daily activities like dressing or moving about your home? How about transportation and shopping services? Perhaps managing finances and bill paying has become more difficult. Determining your needs will require an assessment of your current abilities, as well as having an idea about what you may need in the future.

Consult with your physician, and talk with friends and family. You may also want to schedule an informational session with a home health professional. Don’t wait until challenges begin to start occurring, as this can significantly diminish the quality of your life.

DECIDING YOUR GOALS AND DESIRES

What are your hopes and plans for the future? How and where do you want to live? What do you want to be able to do? How will you know you are getting the most out of life? Aging does not mean you have to give up things you want to experience. Write down your goals and use that list to make plans. Continue to challenge yourself to explore new and unfamiliar territory.

PLAN FOR YOUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Staying healthy is key to maintaining your independence and quality of life. Seniors should try to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, including strength training.

Beginning an exercise program early on can help you avoid or ease some of the physical effects of aging later in life. Make sure you check with your physician before beginning a program or enhancing a current one.

Eat a nutritious diet and manage your weight and other health conditions you have. Preventing poor health is far better than trying to recover later.

Continue full participation in the attractions and activities of your community. Maintaining connections and a strong social circle fulfills our emotional needs and gives us a support system to lean on.

Furthermore, from an emotional perspective, depression, stress or loneliness can be common in older adults. If you are feeling this way, you should share your feelings with friends, family and your physician. There is no shame in seeking professional help.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE FUTURE

As you age, climbing stairs and ladders, and working around your house may become increasingly challenging.

If this is the case, then professional home maintenance personnel may be an option. Lawn care and house cleaning services should be considered when planning for the future. You may need to make your home safer with extra lighting, an upgrade to bathroom safety with grab bars, and non-skid mats. Changing round door and faucet knobs to handles might make turning knobs much easier. You’ll be surprised how little changes can make a big difference in maintaining your independence and ensuring you are getting the most out of life.

RESEARCHING SENIOR CARE COMMUNITIES

If you are thinking that it might be time to start considering a move to a senior living community, you should begin your research sooner rather than later. Look at the community’s location, costs, services, amenities, activities and social opportunities. Many communities have waiting lists. Their website is a great place to start.

The staff at senior living communities want their residents to enjoy as much independence as possible without the burden of home maintenance and daily chores. If you choose to move, you will want to become involved in the activities provided and the opportunities to meet new people.

DETERMINE YOUR RESOURCES

Assess your financial resources, the medical and professional help that is available, and how your family may assist you.

Ask for help. Don’t hide the challenges you are facing from others. Be open and accepting of them in order to avoid future problems. Include your family in your planning. Proactively preparing for the future will make it easier to maintain your independence and quality of life so you can enjoy the years ahead.

For more information on tips for senior independence, visit Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.