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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.

mabfp3 | @mabfp3 | Sep 12, 2023
In reply to @thisismarilynb "I will be 89 years old in 16 days, yet I am still here. I sometimes..." + (show)
@thisismarilynb

I will be 89 years old in 16 days, yet I am still here. I sometimes compare myself to Old Man River. I just keep rolling along. I am so fortunate that I have retained all my cognitive abilities and am still able to drive my car to wherever I need to go - even on the freeway. I have no major illnesses. At times I have an ache or two, but nothing major. The absolute worst thing that ever happened to me was losing my husband of 59 years two years ago. I still miss and grieve for him deeply. I have remained in our home and intend to do so as long as possible. I still can do most things for myself, such as shopping for groceries, making meals, doing laundry, paying bills and taking care of my finances. I have a wonderful cleaning person who comes every three weeks. As long as I can maintain this style of living I am staying put.

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Good for you!!! That is wonderful! You are truly blessed! May you continue to live a healthy life!

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1 reply
thisismarilynb | @thisismarilynb | Sep 12, 2023
In reply to @merpreb "@thisismarilynb- And I don't blame you for staying put. Happy Birthday! Wow, 89years old and healthy...." + (show)
@merpreb

@thisismarilynb- And I don't blame you for staying put. Happy Birthday! Wow, 89years old and healthy. What a blessing you are. I know that it must be very difficult losing your husband. I lost mine just 5 months ago and we were married 45 years. And I want to stay put in my home for as long as possible too.

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Thank you for your kind wishes.

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thisismarilynb | @thisismarilynb | Sep 12, 2023
In reply to @mabfp3 "Good for you!!! That is wonderful! You are truly blessed! May you continue to live a..." + (show)
@mabfp3

Good for you!!! That is wonderful! You are truly blessed! May you continue to live a healthy life!

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Thank you very much.

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eva1930 | @eva1930 | Sep 13, 2023

I am 88 live alone, still drive, do my own banking, groceries, my only problem is that I am older than my friends I have had for years and they are still living at home alone but don’t go out much so I get very lonely as I don’t get many visitors or phone calls any more.

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3 replies
Funcountess | @funcountess | Sep 14, 2023
In reply to @eva1930 "I am 88 live alone, still drive, do my own banking, groceries, my only problem is..." + (show)
@eva1930

I am 88 live alone, still drive, do my own banking, groceries, my only problem is that I am older than my friends I have had for years and they are still living at home alone but don’t go out much so I get very lonely as I don’t get many visitors or phone calls any more.

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Hi,
Have you tried any hobbies.?
True, the older we get the less living friends we have.
It happens to everyone.
What about taking a class at a senior center?
Filling time can be difficult.
There is always volunteering, or baby sitting.

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eva1930 | @eva1930 | Sep 14, 2023

Still trying to get involved in different activities

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geyer | @geyer | Sep 14, 2023
In reply to @eva1930 "I am 88 live alone, still drive, do my own banking, groceries, my only problem is..." + (show)
@eva1930

I am 88 live alone, still drive, do my own banking, groceries, my only problem is that I am older than my friends I have had for years and they are still living at home alone but don’t go out much so I get very lonely as I don’t get many visitors or phone calls any more.

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If you enjoy playing cards or other games, check with some Community Centers in your area what activities they offer. I am in the same situation as you, but have my daughter living close by. I am 89, still driving and a widow since two years. I also enjoy playing card games online with friends or family.

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eva1930 | @eva1930 | Sep 14, 2023

I think a lot of what I can still do is due to the fact my husband and I used to dance 3 times a week, I still do a exercise that covers all my body 3 times aweek, walk when I can and because i have kidney problems I watch my diet carefully. I just passed my driving test so i am good for another 2/years. I also think having a positive attitude also helps, I have a few health problems now but I take one day at a time and get the most out of every day I can,

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1 reply
swing | @swing | Sep 15, 2023
In reply to @eva1930 "I think a lot of what I can still do is due to the fact my..." + (show)
@eva1930

I think a lot of what I can still do is due to the fact my husband and I used to dance 3 times a week, I still do a exercise that covers all my body 3 times aweek, walk when I can and because i have kidney problems I watch my diet carefully. I just passed my driving test so i am good for another 2/years. I also think having a positive attitude also helps, I have a few health problems now but I take one day at a time and get the most out of every day I can,

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You are awesome!! I am 81 and love to dance as well, and it is the best endorphin high ! Sounds like you’re doing the best of everything for yourself to stay fit as a fiddle!

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swing | @swing | Sep 15, 2023

Is anyone taking supplements or herbs to help with brain fog that you have found effective?

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