Top Ten Ways to Stay Independent and Active

 Just watched a good webinar for work about staying independent and active as you age. 

Here are my notes:

10

Get PT early

You can ask for it

Strengthen skills before something bad happens

PT

OT - functionality

Speech therapy – speaking, swallowing

 

9

Social interaction

Engage in the community

Cognitive component

We are social beings

Social skills – cognitive engagement

 

8

Exercise / movement / physical activity

Create a simple routine

Movement every day

Ask for advice if needed

Even just walking or moving your arms

Chair or couch exercises are good

You don’t need equipment, but weights are good

You don’t have to go to the gym

Exercise helps your bones, muscles, and brain

 

7

Community resources

Senior centers

Libraries

Area Agencies on Aging:

Financial

Transportation

Meals

 

6

Following medical advice

Advocate for yourself

Communicate with your doctor

Allow the process time to work

 

5

Fuel your body with nutrition / hydration / sleep

Nutrition builds muscle, heals wounds, provides energy:

Protein

Antioxidants

Eat colorful foods

Making sure you eat enough

Hydration transports nutrients and oxygen, detoxifies body

Dehydration common as you age because you are less thirsty

Dehydration can lead to:

Disorientation

Dizziness

Falls

Milk, tea, coffee okay but we really need water

Sleep allows us to recharge

Look into sleep remedies

Limit beverages at night so you don’t have to wake up during the night to use the restroom

Limit alcohol

Limit screen time

Practice good sleep hygiene

 

4

Address hearing / vision problems

Loved ones may notice this first

 

3

Have a hobby / passion

Do what you love

It brings more benefit than you realize

Some examples

Gardening:

Planning skills

Standing skills

Sunshine / vitamin D

Enjoy seeing something grow

Sewing Circle:

Hand strengthening

Counting

Being in a group

Playing soccer:

Movement

Playing with others

Cognition

Competition

 

2

Help each other

Know your neighbors

In giving we receive

 

1

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

It is a sign of wisdom, not weakness

 

heidi@ascendtherapypnw.com

www.weagewithpurpose.com

 

https://knowledgeableaging.com   

 

 librarianintx