6 little things you can do to age well
There’s no way around it: our bodies aren’t the same as they used to be. That’s why as you age, it’s important to safeguard your future from problems that often curtail independent living as we age. These six practical steps will help you prepare for the upcoming years so when the times comes for making tough decisions, you’ll be one step ahead.
1. Age-proof your home
Take stock of your home and review any potential safety problems: stairs, baths, and kitchens can be a challenge as you age. You might not need to make any changes now, but it’s worthwhile planning for the future by doing annual reviews of your house so you can make any necessary updates.
2. Exercise to prevent falls
As the birthdays inevitable fly by, our bodies are more prone to falling – and not recovering as well as we once did. Furthermore, falls in older people are more likely to result in fractures, disability and further health problems. While safety precautions, like tip one, are important, you should be engaging in regular exercise now that helps you improve balance, coordination and strength.
3. Plan for the future
Meals, transportation, housecleaning and home repairs are all tasks that many people struggle with as they get older. While it might seem like a long way into the future for when you need help, now is the time to think ahead and plan what you’ll do when daily tasks become too difficult. You don’t want to be caught out if you or a loved one experiences a sudden illness or injury.
4. Plan for emergencies
Talk to your friends and family now about emergency protocols. Who will you call in an emergency? Can someone check in regularly? What would you do if you fell or were injured and couldn’t reach the phone? Do you need to invest in some sort of personal alarm system? Do you have all emergency numbers programmed in your phone? Consider all of these questions and put some plans in place – it pays to be prepared.
5. Consider options for help
Nobody likes to think about it but we all get to a point in our lives when we need to reach out for help. This might mean getting some sort of part-time assistance in the home or moving into assisted-living facilities. Better to plan for what you would like rather than be forced into a situation due to circumstance.
6. Write advance care directives
It’s a good idea to get all the necessary paperwork in order, such as a will or power of attorney for health care in case you are too sick or injured to explain your wishes.
Related links:
The surprising ways bad posture can impact your health
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