As individuals, the concept of independence sounds simple enough. It means having the freedom to do what you want, go where you want to go and being able to take control of your life. But as we reach our golden years, staying independent becomes more difficult as we begin requiring assistance when going about our daily lives. Despite these challenges, however, studies show that the overwhelming majority (approximately 90%) of older adults living alone are keen to stay independent. 

If you have a senior in your household or provide care to an elder, there are many ways to empower them to live independently while making sure they stay safe and don’t put their health at risk. Here are five ideas worth considering. 

1. Leverage the Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes everyday objects equipped with sensors, software and wireless technology that allow them to communicate information over the Internet. IoT technologies hold tremendous potential for senior care, allowing the elderly to live more independently. For example, smart speakers with voice-activated technology enable users to control the lights, thermostat and appliances using voice commands. They can also use solutions like Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri to ask questions about the time, weather, directions to a nearby restaurant or random trivia. 

2. Make Clothes and Personal Items More Accessible

Seniors in need of support while getting dressed can feel more empowered by having an easier time choosing what clothes to wear. For example, use an open wardrobe so all their clothes are visible at all times. If you don’t have an open wardrobe, you can lay out a small selection of clothes when they get dressed. 

You can do the same thing with their personal items, whether it’s jewellery, hair ties or money. The idea is to give elders the freedom to make choices on their own. 

3. Work on Balance and Strength

Maintaining strength and balance in your senior years goes a long way towards staying independent and injury-free. It also engages the mind, keeping seniors motivated to stay active.

Maintaining strength can prevent dangerous falls that could lead to long recovery times, not to mention days spent recuperating in bed. As this study by the National Institute for Health and Care shows, long-term exercise interventions make seniors less likely to suffer a fall and less likely to get injured after one. 

Fortunately, there are many programmes specifically designed to keep seniors active, from classes on how to fall safely to yoga for strengthening the core muscles and improving balance. 

4. Work on Developing a Sense of Purpose

More often than not, the key to helping seniors live more independently has to do with their mental health rather than their physical health. Seniors who feel isolated are more likely to get depressed, creating a deadly cycle where isolation and loss of independence feed off each other.

For example, seniors with limited mobility can gain a sense of purpose by getting involved in volunteering programmes. More recently, nonprofit organisations like Childline are calling on volunteers to converse with young people struggling with isolation and mental health via Zoom during the pandemic. 

5. Invest in a Domestic Lift

Domestic lifts such as stairlifts and home lifts can dramatically improve the mobility of seniors at home, allowing them to quickly move between floors. More importantly, stairlifts and home lifts can prevent falls and accidents. The NHS estimates that around one in three senior adults living at home will suffer a fall at least once a year. The risk of falling is especially high when going up or down the stairs. 

Stairlifts work by installing a rail on the treads of a staircase and attaching a battery-powered seat, perch or platform that travels up and down the rail. Home lifts, on the other hand, are miniature versions of the common lift found in buildings, allowing one or more users to move between floors. 

For your domestic lift needs, get in touch with a member of the Only Lifts team. We have over 30 years of industry experience, providing home lifts and stairlifts to households in Southeast England. Get in touch with the Only Lifts team today to learn more.