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.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 30 11:45am

In reply to @gravity3 "@vic83 Do you have any recommendations for an online language learning program?;" + (show)

@gravity3 I thought Duolingo was pretty good when I was trying to learn a little Spanish. https://share.google/OlyExDmugEEDw6g8p

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Aug 30 12:42pm

In reply to @johnbishop "@gravity3 I thought Duolingo was pretty good when I was trying to learn a little Spanish...." + (show)

@johnbishop

Thanks!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 30 1:19pm

In reply to @gravity3 "@vic83 Do you have any recommendations for an online language learning program?;" + (show)

@gravity3 Like John, I have found Duolingo my favorite after trying several. My husband and I both use it, so we have the paid edition, but I used the free one for quite a while. In addition to languages (I study Spanish, dabble in French & Italian) there is Math, Chess and music.
We each probably spend about 30 minutes a day...the up side is that my Spanish has proven useful in both communities where I live.

joanland | @joanland | Aug 30 3:42pm

In reply to @gravity3 "@vic83 Do you have any recommendations for an online language learning program?;" + (show)

@gravity3 Hello Gravity3: I've used DuoLingo for a few years to keep my Spanish going and to improve it. To find it, simply type DuoLingo into a browser. The program does have an initial "game" to help get you into the right level of instruction. I've used DuoLingo for both Spanish and German and have decided to stay with the Spanish. It does have the disadvantage of offering only Mexican Spanish. I've lived in Costa Rica which uses some different phrases and some different verb congugations, which DuoLingo does not accept as correct. There is a trial that is free.
I've also used Babbel, again for Spanish. In Babbel you can pick whether you want to learn Spain Spanish or Central American Spanish; these two differ considerably. It uses an approach that appears to mimic what you would find in a language textbook. Duolingo makes learning into a game with awards (within the program) for lessons completed sort of like getting stars for a lesson completed. I found it much more enjoyable than Babble. These are the only language learning programs I've had experience with. Good luck as you try out some of the language learning programs. Do let us know what you find that interests you.

walk4life | @walk4life | Aug 30 7:57pm

In reply to @vic83 "@walk4life You could study another language to keep your brain sharp. And today for practice one..." + (show)

@vic83 I actually am studying French. I have been taking classes for a number of years. I will probably continue the classes as long as possible.

vic83 | @vic83 | Aug 30 9:20pm

I see others have replied to your question. I haven't used any. Depending on where you live there can be organizations Country/American which may offer classes and opportunities to practice

vic83 | @vic83 | Aug 30 11:07pm

In reply to @walk4life "@vic83 I actually am studying French. I have been taking classes for a number of years...." + (show)

@walk4life that is great! French is such a beautiful language

babswel1 | @babswel1 | Sep 3 10:57pm

In reply to @raebaby "I'm an 82 year old widow. I currently have bursitis in my hip and neuropathy in..." + (show)

@raebaby

I am so glad you are enjoying life AT HOME. I live on the coast also. I take PT every day and feel well enough to be independent.
It sound like you are in a wonderful place R. Enjoy every day!
B