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

I'm 82 and in pretty good shape, but one fall was a reality check (broken kneecap) - fortunately? it happened outside where I could yell for help. Every morning I send an email to my daughter-in-law in another city with subject heading: Alive [with the date]. Although there is always some message exchange as well, that's the important part. My outside routine includes people who would notice that I wasn't there, but not to the extent of following up, nor would they know how to follow up. I've set 8am "Alexa" alarms to remind me. If my DIL doesn't hear from me by 11am, she is to phone, and then phone again later. After that, the plan is to contact a neighbor with a key. If unable to contact, then call authorities.

I have an alarm device I wear around my neck, so for me part of staying independent is being able to call for help RIGHT NOW, and also knowing that if something mighty bad happens, someone will follow up. With luck, my two cats won't miss a meal ... or at least the meal won't be me.

I go to spin classes and yoga classes at my gym. I also walk outside . I try to put most of my bills on automatic pay. I do online puzzles hopefully to keep the brain from declining too much. Although I have noticed on some that I am not as quick with answers. One of my sons and his family live nearby and help with some tasks.We downsized to a smaller house and much smaller yard. I have rediscovered my love of gardening and am working on keeping up with the plants. It is a difficult task for me in summer. I was out of town for a week and lost two small azaleas to the drought. I am looking forward to fall.

@walk4life I'm 72 and somewhat disabled--but I love to garden too. My son-in-law finally talked me into letting him put in drip irrigation for some of my small yard. It cuts down on need to hand water and if I'm gone it still works! I think I felt like I was cheating-=now I'm glad to have it.

@mir123 Oooh...I never felt irrigation was "cheating" - I have had all-yard irrigation for nearly 30 years, and drip lines to specific pots or small beds for nearly as long - my gardens would be dead otherwise! I love the "art" of tweaking my drip systems to match the plants each spring as I switch things around. I have even taught classes in how to do it.