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

1. Simplify
I moved from a house to an apartment 10 years ago when I relocated to be near my active grandchildren. I don't change lightbulbs or have any repairs to deal with.
2. Move
I walk every day. I am still walking 10,000 steps.
3. Eat
I make sure I am eating a well balanced diet. I cook for myself and recently challenged myself to eat 30 plant based food items.
4. Socialize
I joined a group at my senior center that volunteers and makes knit and crochet items for homeless, veterans, and others in need of some cheering up. I also take a Tai Chi class each week to improve my balance.

I feel fortunate that as a 77 year old breast cancer surviver (of 1 year) with the energy and ability to do all these things and more. Exercise can be down sitting in a chair if mobility is limited. I wish you all well in your aging!

Get an Apple Watch. It has an Emergency feature that sends an SOS if you fall. The screen first asks if you need assistance. You can say yes or no. If you say no, nothing is done. If you say yes, or don’t respond, it requests emergency services. You can also program it to notify others, like family or friends. You need an Apple phone & it needs to be within a certain distance.

I know that there are the neck devices advertised on TV and are likely to be other wrist devices available.

This is a spendy investment, but a life saving investment. There are no additional monthly fees if you own the phone. (The watch itself has many other features if you like to track your activities). This feature makes me feel comfortable working in the yard. It gives me peace of mind when my husband is mowing, or in his workshop. The kids also appreciate the fact that they’ll be notified if either of us need help.

What a great plan, @maggieb892! It includes all of the important needs for a healthier life. Exercise, socialization (also referred to as Vitamin S) and a healthy eating plan.

I found it very reassuring to read all these suggestions...I also have stairs and welcome them as an easy form of exercise as long as there is a banister and light. I would only add that having a cat is wonderful for companionship, to cuddle, to talk to and care for...you are never lonely. And if there is a worry about them outliving you there are animal welfare (Humane Society) that offer a sort of insurance that promises to find your pet a home if you predecease it...also having a good radio is great as well as tv and ipad for keeping in touch and writing letters and going to the postoffice once a week etc.and staying home in bad weather. There are community services that will help out then. Living in a small village is best

Following.
I 'm living alone, minimal support, no longer driving. Isolation not good!
I'm fortunate enough to have the experience and foresight to live in a small home with no stairs, have shopped online since way before pandemic, and I have one devoted daughter for weekly transportation, (mostly to doctors.) Perhaps I'm luckier than most.
My sturdy shower chair saves energy & prevents falls. SCRUBZZ bath towels can replace a shower if one has trouble with that - Highly recommended!
I spend way too much time online with no apologies.
And I'm grateful for all devices that "keep me company" or provide reminders.
Smart devices in most rooms provide podcasts and other entertainment as well as preset reminders for almost anything.
I won't even tell you how much I love doing crossword puzzles. Keeps my mind off other stuff and really helps to pass the time.
Sorry, I'm a chatterbox.

Thanks Teresa. This plan has served me well through my recent medical issues. I think I'd include a positive attitude too

I have found reading to be a good companion. In my working life I never had time to read for pleasure and now that I have retired I am enjoying reading historical fiction.

For furniture have as little as possible. Seniors do not need a bunch of furniture.
Pick up all loose area rugs, they are a hazard. You can slip and fall.
Keep busy, so your mind does not stray.
Have somebody do check ins, make sure you are o k.

Excellent idea to get DUST COLLECTORS out of way behind glass, or just put in cabinets. For anything washable, it goes in dishwasher.
Most dishwashers have gentle cycle.
Getting rid of furniture, really helps with not dusting.
Also, unnecessary photos hanging are dust collectors, I removed quiet-a few of them.
The past week, I’ve been getting bags ready for charity pick up. I find if something’s not used in one year, I get rid of it.
As seniors, we really do have a lot.

Having faith in God. Who knows what is best for us all.