What are your tips for staying independent at your own home?

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Aug 31, 2023

Many people say they’d prefer to grow old in their own homes. What are your tips for remaining independent as long as possible. What do you do to:
- Keep up with home maintenance and housekeeping?
- Avoid injuries around the house?
- Combat loneliness or stay connected?

Any other tips?

October 25, 2023: Update from the Community Director

The knowledge exchange shared in this discussion helped to create this article written for the Mayo Clinic app and website. Knowledge for patients by patients and beyond Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for all your tips.

Aging at home: Advice for staying independent

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

my44 | @my44 | Oct 30, 2024

In reply to @larryg333 "Fantastick job, Marilyn! Keep up the great work. You're my new hero (heroine???). /L" + (show)

@larryg333 "She-ro" 😊

bmilanowski53 | @bmilanowski53 | Oct 31, 2024

In reply to @kathymj "Oh my goodness. What a beautiful inspirational story for ME to read at this time. You..." + (show)

Being positive and grateful is the key that and moving your body and getting outside I hope you find peace. Meditation is my crutch.

kathymj | @kathymj | Oct 31, 2024

Thank you for confirming my new thought process. I appreciate your kindness.

sillyblone | @sillyblone | Oct 31, 2024

In reply to @dorisjeanne "Thanks! That makes my day!!" + (show)

You are welcome!

sillyblone | @sillyblone | Oct 31, 2024

In reply to @kathymj "Oh my goodness. What a beautiful inspirational story for ME to read at this time. You..." + (show)

Your are amazing! Learning to be yourself and moving on has to be hard. Kudos and much love and joy sent to you!

crn | @crn | Nov 1, 2024

Yes, being grateful every day is important. Staying as busy as you possibly can is great. Join clubs, exercise groups and walking as much as possible. Library books are a great escape too. I would be lost without my iPad for emails, texts, jigsaw puzzles, games, etc.

joanland | @joanland | Nov 1, 2024

Great article. Puts lots on ideas in one place. Thanks!

laurenbutterfly | @laurenbutterfly | Dec 27, 2024

In reply to @gingerw "-Zero clearance shower, that is, one you can step into, not into a bathtub/shower. -Arrange for..." + (show)

I especially agree with your recommendation to make friends in your neighborhood. I now know about a dozen folks who live within one or two blocks of us - and they are delightful people! I put on a New Years Day Brunch last year and will be doing another this upcoming January - It's a great way to build community!

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 27, 2024

In reply to @laurenbutterfly "I especially agree with your recommendation to make friends in your neighborhood. I now know about..." + (show)

@laurenbutterfly Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Having a get-together like you mentioned is an awesome way to have different people meet up and have a social connection. I'll bet you will be having gatherings during the year, also! Finding that others have shared interests, and being able to put names to faces, helps that isolation factor. Good for you!

Any tips on how you thought of doing this, and any obstacles you encountered while planning your brunch?
Ginger

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Dec 27, 2024

In reply to @laurenbutterfly "I especially agree with your recommendation to make friends in your neighborhood. I now know about..." + (show)

@laurenbutterfly

The idea of New Year brunch is wonderful idea, never thought of it. I was going to try a pre-xmas open house to have few neighbors over, but everyone is so busy. In summer neighbors talk to each other if outside, but come winter we all hibernate. I like to cook and host, so would be great idea.

Thanks for suggestion.