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.

Aging at home: Advice for staying independent

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Keep moving by going for walks every day and choosing a regular exercise program that fits your needs, available on a CD or on-line or swimming.

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I also had a difficulty walking after Vertigo, and became wobbly on walking and suggested to walk with a stick, had some rehabilitation sessions.
Now I do Aqua Pilates twice a week and feel much better by walking slowly but without stick. Once you have a stick, you will be so depend on it.

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@casey1329

Keep moving, do a lot of walking. Maybe lift some small weights to retain muscle and of course eat right. Now for the house itself, get wall to wall carpet in as many places as you can afford to do it. Don't forget hand grips in the bathroom. Get every thing, rooms & appliances, on ground level if possible and at night have good lighting. That's it for me...

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Sometimes you don’t feel like doing house chores but I do everything by my self by thinking it’s some kind of exercise you don’t have to pay a gym fee for but free if you are able to do physical work.

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@hiroko

,,,. I have also an Aqua Pilates session at gym and it really good being in a hot water 💦 40degrees easy to move and walk.

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nice i wish i had that here ny

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@jake78

After acting as my wife’s primary caregiver receiving palliative care at home fore over two years I found it very lonely in our two bedroom bungalow, so I decided to take in a lodger. Twenty months later and four female lodgers later I’m happy with the experience and for sure my cognitive ability has benefited. Their age has varied from thirty two years to eighty one, and, three different ethnic backgrounds.

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I am very happy that you had a good experience. The 3 roommates made a positive difference in your life and you in theirs. Lots of people are afraid to get a renter glad you made it work Dave

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@joybo99

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.

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Giving up driving can be very isolating. Many communities offer free or low cost transportation to grocery stores. Our community will transport seniors to the senior center for activities. It's worth looking into

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1. Stay in touch Friends and Family
2. Havd a caregiver as needed.,get a good agency and have doctor write prescription as insurance (not Medicare) will pay
3. Have things delivered
4. Go to PTz
5. Keep car if needed
6. Get to know people who help
7. Remain in contact with PCP
8. Stay out of rest home

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I would like to get out and take a ride to the beach.
People stay away from me as it's difficult to deal with someone who has a walker and walks slowly. People don't want to be with you when you are different. Lously for socialization. No transportation and no one to do things with. I used to get in my car.

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Thanks to all of you for sharing!
I am 75 and have medical issues that severely affect my balance. I felt newly vulnerable at home, and fearful going anywhere alone.
2 years ago I began using a fall device I wear at at all times except when sleeping. I even wear it in the shower and it also works wherever I go. I had a fall while visiting our zoo last summer and immediate assistance was available, my daughter was with me and seeing how it works gave her peace about my safety too.
I can press a button and speak to a medical person or when I fall the person speaks directly to me and asks if I'm ok. This has given me hope for staying in my home indefinitely.

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@bunnybear

I understand the comments regarding having first floor apartment. But recently I visited my 81 y/o sister in another state who has a two story apartment. I really got stronger in that two weeks visit. I wonder now if the ideal is not to have a two story if you can begin this while at least barely able to get up the stairs. Then you will develop the muscles needed to access upstairs and just stay much fitter in general. I am 83 with a spinal cord stimulator and HBP controlled by meds. I had a TKR 2 yr. ago. Walking a mile is difficult and my absolute limit.

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Your comment reminded me of my friend Lucy who will proudly tell you that she is 101 1/2 yrs old. Lucky lives by herself in a traditional 2 story home with 3 parrots and one dog which she cares for by herself. Her family stops by every now and then to check on her but she does a lot on her own. She mentioned how her arm hurts because in May when she was riding the bus it got into an accident and she banged her arm up. Yes, she was on the bus by herself. Every night she climbs a flight of stairs to her bedroom. Now get this, I met her at the zoo where we both volunteer. She was just working the crafts table with me last month and if Lucy has an idea on how to do something, you better listen because she is usually right !

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