MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE

No one likes to think about changing their level of independence. But sometimes the reality of physical problems can cause changes. Your body goes through many changes as you age, but there are things you can do to slow these changes. Keeping healthy and physically strong are very important to being able to maintain independence.

There are steps you can take to maintain your health. These are:

eat a balanced diet
avoid excessive alcohol consumption
do not smoke
exercise daily to maintain strength and flexibility
see your doctor and dentist at least once a year
get a flu shot yearly
get a pneumonia shot (In most cases one shot is good for a lifetime, depending on your age. Some older adults may need a booster.)
get your vision checked by an eye doctor at least once a year to check for glaucoma
have your hearing tested at regular intervals

Other practical steps that will help are:

having items moved from cabinets that are too high or too low to places that can be reached comfortably
living in housing designed for older adults
taking advantage of new technology like easy-grip hairbrushes or jar openers, light weight cookware, electric razors, pre-cut dental floss, closed-captioned television programs, and medical alert systems
using services like Meals On Wheels and housekeeping
using special buses or other transportation services available for older adults
having ramps installed instead of steps, or adding a chair lift to inside stairs
exercising or getting physical therapy to help in problem areas, such as flexibility
taking advantage of walkers, motorized carts in grocery stores, and equipment that will help you avoid a fall

If you feel that you are losing some of your physical independence, your mental attitude is very important. Draw healthy boundaries with people. For instance, you can let people know that there are some things you prefer to do yourself, whether it is answering the phone or making breakfast.

It is important to recognize the difference between being independent and doing things that are unsafe. Do not insist that you can drive if you know your vision is poor or your responses are not good. Decide to make appropriate changes instead of letting things get to the point where other people make changes for you. Ask your healthcare provider about physical tasks you should and should not do.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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