The Importance of Independence for Aging Adults
The feeling of independence is key for many people as they begin the aging process.
In some cases, independence is stripped early when battling certain health issues or cognitive impairments. For others, it is a gradual change.
Either way, losing your independence can be very discouraging – so it is important to increase opportunities for aging adults to feel independent whenever possible.
Here are our tips to help aging loved ones in your life feel independent throughout their aging journey.
Focus on balance and strength
Staying active as we age can help foster independence as we reduce the risks of injury and falling.
Since falling is the number one cause of injury in aging adults, it is important to note that falls are a huge contributor to adults losing some of their independence.
Through light exercise and a good diet, you can help improve your stability, flexibility, balance and overall strength.
Activities as simple as taking a 30 minute walk daily, or doing yoga, can have positive long-term effects for aging adults.
Not only will it improve their overall strength and balance, it will also keep them mentally strong as well as confident in their bodies ability to support them.
Good social relationships
Having positive social relationships between family members and friends is a great way to stay connected to the world outside your home.
As you age, it is easy to become a “hermit” and stay inside your house. Not going to work after so many years of that routine can take a toll on your mind and body.
By staying connected to your community and staying involved with groups and organizations, you can continue to have positive relationships around you that help you feel less alone.
Encourage your loved ones to reach out to friends and arrange to go on a walk, or meet for coffee to keep their mind stimulated and their friendships strong.
Give a sense of purpose
As we all enter our aging journeys, having a sense of purpose is important. It can be easy to feel isolated and alone as we age, so remembering the things we enjoy can help us to still feel inspired and happy.
Whether it be a hobby they have enjoyed for years, or trying something new to stimulate the mind, having small tasks each day is a great way to wake up each morning with a purpose.
Cooking, gardening, puzzles, joining a yoga class, are all great examples of fun hobbies that have many physical and mental benefits.
Enjoying activities with friends, neighbours, or community groups is also a great way to keep active while socializing with like minded individuals.
Feeling isolated and lonely can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health. Using these tips can help aging adults to feel like a valued member of society, even after certain tasks get more difficult to do on their own.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can help your aging loved one still feel independent, even when life gets more challenging for them.
Helping them stay interested in their hobbies, or develop new likes, is invaluable.
Seeking the help of professionals, like iAccompany, can also allow your aging loved one to feel true independence.
Our service helps adults to age in place, through door-to-door accompaniment. This way, they are free to live their life while not neglecting their healthcare needs.
Learn more about how our service can help your aging loved one and your family stay connected on their healthcare journey by visiting iaccompany.ca
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