What are your tips for staying independent at your own home?
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.
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Thanks Ginger, my wife has been accompanying mom on eye appointments and routine GP visits like going over results of bloodwork. I go when there is a possible need to "tell the whole story." Or like last year when her dentist did about $4000 worth of work that resulted in an infection and it all required being extracted and replaced complete lower denture. She didn't tell me about it until after she had the procedure. The best part was when we went back to the bad dentist, he gave her a strong opioid script that could have killed her. He also prescribed an antibiotic that she had listed as being allergic. I caught this at her pharmacy. This whole story is terrible and I wanted to talk to authorities about his actions. Mom insisted I don't. Fortunately her dentures are working out well and the new dentist is a very transparent and caring man. We actually communicated by text and email during the process. I've never had a dentist like him before. Anyway, mom has had a lot of freedom since she still drives. I find out when things go bad after the fact. She believes everyone. Yes, everyone. I could tell you how she's been taken advantage of by a few contractors because that's the way the real world works. Of the many things mom has taught me, it's how aging is different for different people. I'm pushing 73 and after about ten years of helping her after a mild stroke, I'm amazed by her toughness and desire to do it her way. She's watched all of her friends die over the last twenty or so years. We just spoke a few minutes ago about the Eagles game today. Her and my father were big fans who attended games in 1940's before I came along. They didn't have a car, took a bus for thirty plus miles into Philadelphia to see games. He died in 1997. She's been very independent. It helps to have enough money to fund her interests. Don't worry, she's in good hands here.
Don’t drive at night
Do “a little cleaning everyday”
Have groceries delivered
If able take a walk everyday
The internet is your friend
Stay as active as possible. Take classes at a local gym YMCA to strengthen muscles and maintain good balance to prevent falls.
My 91 yo mother stayed in her home, alone, until a fall. She had no support ( my brother who lived nearby travels out of the country constantly, I'm in another state). What finally did her in, after moving to be near me at 89, was losing social groups and refusing to be involved with new people. My neighbor died at 99 in her own home- because she had constant family support and friends and church activities to attend. I believe that the key is to stay involved, stay positive with everyone, be involved in community, groups, service, exercise daily, stay involved ( notice a trend?) in family activities even when you're tired. If there is purpose to ones life, the body stays healthier, less stressed, and able to continue moving. I've got a long way to go ( 67, expect to live to 90ish), but I'm starting an exercise routine now, and becoming involved in new activities every year. Keep a support system fresh. Oh, and having good, young neighbors helps!
Hearing aids and glasses