Many people get nervous about the idea of getting older mostly related to how to Maintain Your Independence As You Get Older.
They worry that they will hurt themselves, run out of money, or be lonely.
While any of these could come true, there are things you can do now to minimize those issues.
If you plan for your future, you can take care of some possible worries now.
That way, when you reach the age you are worried about now, you can smile and keep going.
Avoiding Injuries Starts with Setting Up Your Home Right
The first way to help maintain your independence is to set up your home to be safe.
This means going through and putting down flooring that is difficult to slip on, removing rugs that are easy to trip over, and installing gadgets like shower rails.
You know the potential for hurting yourself is there, so think about where you struggle the most now.
Then, plan for that in the future so you no longer need to worry.
The second thing to do is making sure you keep yourself physically active.
Setting up your home is a huge help, but if you become a couch potato, it does not matter very much.
Set up one area of your home where you can work out, no matter what the weather outside is like.
Have a chair nearby to sit on in case you are sore, and have some equipment that you can use to keep active.
We recommend some dumbbells, maybe a stationary bike or treadmill, and even some exercise bands.
These can all provide resistance while you move about.
The more active and flexible you are, the lower your chance of sustaining a significant injury becomes.
Loneliness Has Options, Too
If you fear or worry about being alone in the future, then make some connections now.
This does not mean go out and get to know more people you work with unless you plan on spending time with them outside of work.
We recommend that you start up a hobby.
If you are busy doing something you love, you are bound to run into people with the same passion.
The more you see them, the deeper your friendship can grow.
If you can spend time once or twice each month engaged in some fun hobbies, you are bound to have friends long into your retirement years.
Some hobbies you may want to consider include:
- Gardening
- Birdwatching
- Going to the movies
- Yoga or Pilates
- Hiking
- Painting
- Frequenting Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos
The fourth way to maintain your independence is to plan for being lonely. Instead of relying on those friends you are making now, plan on some alone time.
Use this time for something constructive.
Do you like to crochet or knit?
Then maybe you can start a little side business creating custom hats or scarves for people.
Don’t know what your innate talents are just yet?
Then take some classes and learn to do something new.
That way, when you have some quiet time that no one else can fill, you can turn to a project or a skill that you already have to fill that void.
Financial Worries Concern Many People As They Age
If your worries stem around having enough retirement income or savings when you get there, you are certainly not alone.
This is a common concern as people age.
The best thing to do about it is to look at the situation as objectively as possible.
You should start saving for your retirement as early in your life as possible.
However, not everyone is able to start saving at a young age due to any number of circumstances.
No matter when you begin, it is better than not saving anything at all.
There may not be the fallback that previous generations had when it came to retirement.
Social Security could run about, depending on how old you are.
If that happens, you will need to rely on your own savings more than ever before.
Something as simple as a reverse mortgage could be the answer.
As Michael G. Branson from All Reverse Mortgage says,
“A reverse mortgage allows eligible borrowers to live the rest of their life in their home with no monthly mortgage payments”.
This means that you can do whatever you are physically able to do without the concern of having a monthly mortgage payment.
As long as you work to stay independent, you can live in the home you cherish.
Don’t be afraid to look into the benefits of outside help.
They may be the perfect solution for you!
