How Do I Stay Independent as I Get Older?

It’s true that there really is no place like home. That’s why so many of us want to keep living independently in familiar surroundings as we grow older. So, how can we make this possible? The good news is that there are many ways to support independence and continue enjoying the comfort of home for longer.

Stay Social

Keeping socially active is one of the best ways to support both your health and independence. Loneliness doesn’t just affect how you feel but can also have an impact on your physical health. Studies have found the links between long-term social isolation and a higher likelihood of heart disease, stroke, depression, and memory decline*.

Creating social ties is easier than it may seem. Everyday routines can provide natural opportunities to engage with others. A friendly chat with a neighbour over the fence can help you feel part of your community. Online neighbourhood groups are another way to stay in touch, often leading to new friendships just around the corner. Joining a fitness class can boost your energy and introduce you to people with similar interests. Explore some hobbies, either something you’ve always loved or something completely new. This creates opportunities to meet others who share your passion. For some, the companionship of a pet brings comfort. It also creates opportunities to meet other pet owners on walks or local outings. Volunteering is also a wonderful way to feel involved with your local community. You’ll meet new people and enjoy the sense of purpose that comes from giving back.

Transport to Access Your Community

Getting out and about helps you stay independent. Yet, as we get older, driving ourselves isn’t always practical. It can also be difficult to depend on family and friends for every trip. That’s where other options come in. Many over-55s villages and local councils provide low-cost or free community transport, making it easier to shop, attend appointments, or visit local centres.

Alternatively, discounted bus and train tickets are accessible for older Australians across most states, allowing you to save while on the go.  If you prefer not to use public transport, especially during busy periods, why not take your trip outside peak hours? This may help make the journey less stressful. Taxis are also a great way of reaching places close to home. However, if you don’t feel comfortable using some of these options, speak with your local in-home care provider about transport services.

Keeping Your Home Tidy

As we get older, keeping up with household tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming. Still, regular cleaning and basic maintenance go a long way in creating a safer, more comfortable home.

Have you considered in-home care or support? This is one way to lighten the load. This might be an occasional cleaner for the odd job, or regular support with household chores and gardening. Either way, it creates a more relaxing environment and helps you feel at ease. Support could include house cleaning, meal preparation, lawn mowing, or minor home maintenance.

If you’re someone who prefers to do the cleaning yourself, why not break it down into smaller tasks? Tackling chores over time reduces stress, and feels more manageable. The right tools can also help. Items such as long-handled dusters, a lightweight vacuum, and other gadgets can make it easier to clean without needing to stretch, bend, or risk a fall.

Preventing Falls to Stay Independent

Many of us worry about the risk of falling, either at home or out in the community. Falls are not only physically painful but also affect your confidence to move around independently. Remaining active through gentle exercises may help maintain your strength and balance. Consider going for a light walk or simply staying active by moving around the home. If you live alone or worry about having a fall, you may wish to consider using a fall detection alert device. These can automatically notify someone if you need help. You might also find it reassuring to keep your phone close at hand, so you can call for assistance quickly if needed.

To prevent losing your balance while overreaching or bending, try keeping shelves and storage at eye level. This ensures everyday items are easy to access. Additionally, removing trip hazards such as loose rugs, cords, and other obstacles from common walkways reduces your risk of falling within your home.

Easy Reminders

Forgetting things can be frustrating. Even if it’s just minor, like leaving the front gate open or misplacing keys. Taking steps to leave reminders around the house can help you stay on top of daily tasks and important dates. It could be having a magnetised notepad on the fridge, using a shopping list, or even a sticky note pad. Why not use technology to make reminders for you? Phone calendars, alarms, and smart devices that beep when left unattended for too long provide helpful cues throughout your day. However, if you find yourself needing to do a small task that you will most likely forget later, try to do it right away so it doesn’t slip your mind.

Home Care and Independence

While staying social, active, and safe at home matters, many older adults find that certain tasks gradually become harder to manage. This is where home care plays a role in supporting independence. With the right services in place, you can continue living life on your terms, with peace of mind that support is there when you need it.

Home care can be as simple as help with household jobs. Regular cleaning, laundry, or tidying keeps your home tidy and comfortable. Support with gardening or small maintenance tasks ensures your outdoor areas remain safe and easy to use. For those who need personal care, assistance with showering or dressing is provided in a respectful way that protects both safety and dignity.

Transport is another valuable part of home care. Having a reliable way to get to appointments, the shops, or social activities makes staying active in your community much easier. Beyond this, home care also offers companionship. Sometimes it’s sharing a cup of tea, a conversation, or an activity that helps you feel connected and less isolated.

The flexibility of home care means you can choose the level of support that suits your lifestyle. This could be occasional weekly help or more regular assistance. A tailored approach keeps your home safe, reduces risks, and gives you more freedom to enjoy the things that matter most.

Could you use some home care and support to stay independent at home? Simply Helping has been supporting older Australians for over 27 years, helping people live confidently at home with a range of personalised home care services. Our services can be accessed through government-funded aged care programs or privately funded if you prefer to arrange your own supports.

Click here to find your closest Simply Helping team and contact us today!