H eadlines
How to Promote Elderly Independence
much as possible. There are
many recommendations that
the senior or a loved one
MARCY SHOEMAKER | JE FEATURE
can incorporate to promote
ONE OF THE most mportant independence.

desires of seniors is to maintain
independence in their lives as Take Control
they grow older.

Take ownership of your
Even though there may be schedule instead of delegat-
changes and possible restric- ing this responsibility to a
tions required in a senior’s friend or family member.

life, there are many ways There is a greater chance of
to continue to retain inde- attending activities and fol-
pendence. As we mature lowing through with activi-
from infants to adults, our ties when you take ownership
independence increases. in the decision making of
Unfortunately, as we age, ill- your schedule.

ness or mental decline may
If you are a caregiver of
cause the reverse to happen an older loved one, encour-
and many seniors find them- age them to have a schedule
selves becoming increasingly in order to maintain a feeling
dependent on others.

of independence in their lives.

The common goal for many When a senior develops a daily
seniors is to find ways to pre- or weekly schedule this is a
serve their independence as helpful way of having a sense of
S E NIORS
purpose in their lives.

Don’t schedule too many
doctors’ appointments in one
week. Many seniors feel that
their lives are dictated by doc-
tors’ appointments and other
medical issues, including
scheduling and follow-up. It
is important to balance med-
ical issues with other areas of
life including social, relaxation
and personal interests.

Thoughts and Attitude
A part of aging is how we
think about making changes.

These changes may not directly
reduce our independence but
they may require us to live our
lives differently.

We may need to modify our
homes so that we can continue
to live independently. This may
involve safety proofing our
bathrooms with nonslip floors,
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Independence as we age is achievable.

It takes planning and a new mindset.

handrails in our showers and
the consideration of wearing a
safety alarm in case we fall. We
may consider downsizing and
moving to a community that
will reduce our responsibilities
or modify our existing home.

Consider adding meditation
and mindfulness into your life.

Life is stressful at all ages, and
can be especially so during the
senior years. A commitment
to a regular practice of mind-
fulness, including meditation
and relaxation exercises, can
promote a reduction of anxiety
and depressed mood.

Don’t let age define your life.

Many seniors often feel much
younger than their chrono-
logical age. By incorporating
socialization, mindfulness,
exercise and decision mak-
ing, many seniors feel much
younger than their birth year.

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Plan now for future living
arrangements as opposed to
having others make these deci-
sions. By deciding where you
want to live as you age and/or
what changes you would like
made to your home, you pro-
mote a sense of independence.

Make financial, legal and
health decisions in advance so
that this decision is not del-
egated later to a loved one.

It is helpful for the elderly to
make decisions earlier in their
lives concerning what type of
health care to receive, power
of attorney, health care proxy
and the types of homecare
and assistance he or she would
like to receive if needed. This
decision-making process also
reduces a great deal of pressure
on loved ones while promoting
independence. Exercise, Learning and
Education Incorporating some form of
exercise into your life based on
your physician’s advice is an
important step in maintaining
independence. Since falls can
be a major deterrent in the lives
of the elderly, incorporating
medically approved exercise in
your life is an important step.

Stay social so that your free
time is not dependent on fam-
ily members.

Add hobbies that you pre-
viously enjoyed or new inter-
ests to enrich your life or the
life of an elderly loved one.

Incorporate computers into
your life to simplify tasks and
stay in touch with others and
as a way to learn something
new so your mind stays active.

Independence as we age is
achievable. It takes planning
and a new mindset.

“I am no bird; and no net
ensnares me; I am a free human
being with an independent
will.” — Charlotte Bronte. l
Marcy Shoemaker, Psy.D, is a
psychologist at Abramson Center.

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