When we hear the words senior independent living, we may picture ourselves living comfortably in our own homes when we grow older. Staying healthy, happy, self-reliant and active when it comes to doing our daily activities are some of the things we aspire to experience when we reach our senior years. Moreover, because certain aspects of a person's life change with age, independence may be the only thing they feel they have control over. This is why experiencing independent living fosters a sense of accomplishment, which gives many seniors a strong sense of well-being and self-worth.

Can seniors live independently?

Contrary to what some people believe, seniors can often live independently with minimal support. Some individuals, however, require help as a result of increased physical or cognitive limitations that occur with age. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep in mind that living alone at home is not a lost cause in these situations. Home health and care providers assist seniors in maintaining their independence as much as possible. Caregivers can help clients with everyday chores that require more time and energy, allowing seniors to live independently at home. Seniors are often aware of what they can and can't do, so a little help from a caregiver is something that they can definitely appreciate.

 Further reading: Important Considerations for Older Australians Wanting to Live at Home

What is Independent Living?

Independent living is not the same as being in a nursing home or hospital. It does not require any loss of autonomy. Instead, independent living represents a fundamental shift in how seniors think about their lives.It helps people retain all of the positive aspects like freedom and the opportunity to explore and grow.

The idea of senior independent living may assist us in enjoying our best lives while ageing at home. To help you achieve this, here are some of the most critical factors to take into consideration.

Avoid Social Isolation

When we reach seniority, one aspect to be mindful of is our tendency to become more isolated. Our circle of long-time friends and neighbours tends to decrease, and our health and mobility may limit our capacity to socialise, resulting in a reclusive lifestyle. The downside is that isolation can potentially create several risks, including loneliness, physical safety and even depression. This is why it's critical to stay active in social activities and connect with the community every once in a while. Crucially, social engagement has been linked to increased mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Independence doesn't mean that we're better off on our own when we reach our senior years. As we age, we value the presence of our loved ones, family members, and friends even more. This is why establishing and sustaining deep, meaningful connections and relationships with the people we trust and care about is integral to staying emotionally well. Spending days or weeks without human interaction or intellectual stimulation can cause loneliness, which can be dreadful and tragic. In fact, according to a recent study, loneliness may be more dangerous than obesity. Fortunately, today's communication technology, such as smartphones, applications like Zoom, FaceTime and other social media platforms, make it easier to keep in touch with your loved ones. Make an effort to keep those important ties alive, even if it's difficult to meet in person.

Related reading: Social Connectedness: Your Prescription to a Healthier, Happier, and Longer Life

Capitalise On Supportive Care Technology

At some point, independent living and ageing necessitate certain adjustments and alterations to living areas. Not to mention, our ability to become independent during our senior years is closely connected to how we approach and manage our health and wellbeing. This is why you need to have a safe, secure and functional place that matches your needs. One way to address this is by adding extra safety and protection to your home with technological devices such as in-home alarm systems or personal emergency alarms, which will enable you to live more independently. 

Final Thoughts

At Tunstall, we recognise the importance of seniors being active in their own care in order to preserve real levels of independence. When helping them out, don't rush in and take on all of their responsibilities. Instead, use a collaborative approach that will make them feel in control of their own lives. Those who live independently should take an active role in their own care since it gives them a sense of fulfilment. This enhances emotions of success while preserving the spirit of independence that they aspire for.

Our team is dedicated to helping people preserve their independence and live active, fulfilling lives in their own homes for as long as feasible. From our personal alarms and mobile applications to accessories and round-the-clock support, our vision statement is “A world where people have the freedom to live life to the full in a place of their choice.”

Also read: 4 Ways Family Members Can Stay Better Connected To Loved Ones