Steps to Maintaining Your Independence and Quality of Life

The price for not planning for the future may best be summed up 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 in 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 status, as well as having an idea about what your needs will be in the future.

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

Deciding What your Goals and Desires Are

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? Aging does not mean you have to give up things you want to experience. Write down your goals, and use the list to make plans. And 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. It’s recommended that seniors 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 some of the effects of aging later in life, but check with your physician before beginning.

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 on.

Continue full participation in the attractions and activities of your community.

From an emotional perspective, debilitating depression, stress or loneliness are not normal or inescapable for older adults. If you are feeling this way, you should share your feelings with friends, family and physician. There is no shame in seeking professional health.

Preparing your Home for the Future

As you age, climbing stairs and ladders, and performing work on the exterior of your home may become a challenge.

As home maintenance becomes more burdensome, professional home maintenance personnel may be an option. Lawn care and house cleaning might be future considerations. Your home may be safer with additional lighting, an upgrade to bathroom safety with grab bars, and non-skid mats. Little changes can make a big difference in maintaining your independence. For example: changing round door and faucet knobs to handles makes turning the knobs much easier.

Researching Senior Care Communities

If you are living in your home but think that you may need or want to live in 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. Some communities have waiting lists. A website is a great place to start.

Senior living communities want residents to enjoy as much independence as possible. Make plans 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 about them in order to avoid future problems. Include your family in your planning. Proactively preparing for the future will make it far easier to maintain your independence and quality of life.

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