Just because you’re over 60 doesn’t mean that you have to hide away forever and stop having fun. In fact, the argument can be made that seniors have more opportunities for pleasure as they have gained strong knowledge in what they like and don’t like over the years. Plus, there’s no more 9-5 job to have to go to. But losing independence as a senior can be frustrating and here’s why it matters so much to hold onto it in later life.
What is Independence?
The word “independence” in this context refers to being reliant on one’s own self and having a range of choices. It’s also about having a lifestyle that you are content with and brings you joy.
Living independently can be challenging as you get older and services like Pentagon Motability Scheme help people exchange their weekly mobility allowance for a vehicle lease to keep their independence. Other services that can be helpful are food delivery programs and in-home care givers.
Keeping these initiatives active and encouraging the elderly to use them is vital given the negative consequences, both mentally and physically, of not maintaining independence.
The Impacts of Losing Independence
Losing that feeling of self-reliance can bring on a range of emotions, including fear, anger, and sadness. As the NIH explains, a frequent route to depression in older adults can be cutting back on daily activities. That’s regardless of the reason for not doing as many outings or other tasks regularly.
While depression could be overlooked or taken to be simply a part of retirement, it’s best not to just go with it and assume it’s meant to be that way. The problem is that being depressed can complicate physical conditions, such as stroke and diabetes, as well as heart disease.
Thus, it’s important to watch for signs of depressed parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, and other loved ones as they age. Taking measures to help them avoid loss of independence is helpful as a proactive approach.
Maintaining Independence
For a senior, hearing their daughter say that they think about putting them into a facility is disheartening when the parent doesn’t show any signs of serious mental or physical decline. The well-meaning child might take over the parent’s bank account, for example, although the parent is still able to handle it.
Taking away the freedom of a senior can be devastating, especially if there’s no basis for it, as in the example above of taking away financial responsibility from an ageing mum or dad. Instead, keeping them happy and being at their best physically is what’s important.
While your ageing relative or friend might not be able to do everything inside or outside of the home themselves, encourage their independence with these suggestions:
1. Play Cognitive Games
Help them keep their minds active by encouraging them to learn, read, write, and problem solve using cognitive games. Mental exercises can sharpen the mind and be lots of fun, not to mention staving off boredom if they live alone. Some examples are trivia games and doing crafts.
2. Use Technology
Tablets and smartphones are great for assisting older adults with appointment reminders and providing an electronic schedule. They can update the schedule at any time and see at a glance what’s happening today, this week, this month, and longer. Also, they can use these mobile devices to make video calls with loved ones so that they feel less isolated.
3. Engage in Social Activities
Dancing, sports, and active games are all group activities that can be valuable social opportunities for those who are over 60. As with anything athletic, always get your doctor’s approval before starting new to make sure it’s safe health-wise for you. These group outings provide a sense of companionship and belonging, as well as a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.
Maintaining Identity in Retirement
After work life ends, it can be tough to keep a sense of who you are and find meaning. With the professional identity ending, hold onto your personal identity by maintaining independence as a senior.
As you explore the golden years, make efforts to be social and embrace technology for its ability to keep you in the loop about world news or make a video call with a relative. Lastly, go for walks and have family meals if these activities make you happy – Being older doesn’t mean you can’t have joy!
Make an effort to maintain a high quality of life and be involved in managing the household and other daily activities. Embrace life; you deserve it.
