Most seniors want to stay in their homes as they get older. But, that’s not always easy. As seniors age, they may struggle with age related issues and medical conditions. Living at home like they always have can be tough. These tips from seniors who live their best lives at home as they get older can help other seniors live better at home:
Get Elder Care
One of the best things seniors can do if they want to live in their own homes is to get elder care. When seniors have elder care, they have a dedicated caregiver who will help them maintain the house, shop, run errands. They will do all the things necessary to keep a household running. As seniors get older, having the backup that elder care provides will allow them to get everything done. When seniors have help with hard tasks like cleaning, shopping, and cooking, they can continue to live well at home.
Outsource As Much As Possible
Houses need a lot of upkeep. For seniors that are aging in place, it can be overwhelming to constantly worry about household maintenance chores. So don’t stress about them. Outsource those maintenance jobs to professionals who know what they’re doing. Preventative maintenance, like having the furnace checked in the fall and having the roof checked in the spring, can stop many household problems before they start. When seniors regularly have professionals come by the house to do maintenance tasks, they can live comfortably at home without worrying about a major home emergency.
Downsize
Seniors who want to stay in their homes shouldn’t be afraid to downsize. Living in a smaller area and getting rid of a lot of clutter and items that aren’t used can make it much easier to age in place comfortably. For example, seniors that have a two story house should create a bedroom on the first floor so that they don’t have to worry about climbing stairs safely or all the maintenance and cleaning required to maintain two floors. If your senior loved one is living on one floor then only occasional and minor upkeep will be necessary on the second floor.
Stay Active
Activity is basically the fountain of youth for seniors. Seniors that are active will have more stamina and strength, which will help them age in place successfully. Just 30 minutes of walking each day is enough to keep seniors at a healthy weight, promote good circulation, and help seniors manage depression and stress. Seniors who love sports like swimming and golf should participate as much as possible in those sports. But just walking is still a good workout for people who aren’t used to working out. Doing activities like yoga and Pilates that help seniors maintain flexibility is also a great way to thrive at home.