Embracing Change
Welcome to part 2 of our series on the fear of losing independence, where we dive into practical tips to help you face your future with confidence. Before we begin – keep this fact tucked in the back of your mind: the fear of losing independence is a very common one, and it begins from about the age of 50. Simply by recognising it, you can begin to address, with confidence, what many others refuse to face. Now, let’s take a look at how you might do this:
Maintain your right to choose
Wherever you require assistance, whether it’s to prepare meals, dress, or get to and from a destination, you can, and should, make your own choices as much as possible. If help with meal preparation is required, remember you get to decide what the meal will be (and if you want to keep the potato peelings for your compost rather than see them thrown in the rubbish bin, it’s important to say so). If you require a driver to take you grocery shopping, you get to choose the supermarket, and if you need a hand with dressing, don’t (if you prefer a skirt) accept a switch to trousers simply because it may be more convenient for your helper. Always retain your personality and sense of self.
Be an early adopter!
Many people, as they grow older, resist offers of devices to assist them. For instance, people with hearing difficulties typically wait up to 10 years from the time hearing loss first occurs, until they attend an appointment to seek help. Others are prepared to watch their mobility and fitness decline rather than accept a walking frame that can enable them to walk up to several kilometres a day. Still others confine themselves to the house rather than enjoy their garden because they’re not prepared to wear a medical alarm. Devices and mobility aids don’t exist to restrict us as we grow older, they are there to help us retain our independence for longer!
Adapt
Very often, achieving the same degree of independence you always had is simply about making small changes around your home. If your balance is declining, use aids such as a non-slip mat in the shower. If your steps are becoming difficult to manage, install a hand rail or ramp. Switch to cooking appliances with automatic cut-off switches if your memory isn’t what it once was, and learn to set alarm reminders for everything from taking medications to getting to appointments on time. If you find you’re too tired to prepare an evening meal, make midday the time for your main meal, and do the prep in the morning when you’re feeling fresher. Maintaining independence is just a switch away!
Save your energy for what you enjoy
Maintaining independence is about thinking smartly – not doing things as you always have just for the sake of it. If you enjoy gardening, get someone else to mow your lawns so you can save your energy for the vege or flower beds. If you enjoy managing your own housekeeping, do it, but save your energy by employing someone else to handle seasonal jobs such as cleaning the windows or water blasting paths. It’s only when you tackle too much that you begin to find even the tasks you enjoy becoming too difficult to manage.
Stay strong!
Wherever possible, make time to keep yourself fit and well nourished. These are the building blocks of independence. Take advantage of community strength and balance classes, and seek out easy to prepare recipes. Choose convenient but fresh food items such as pre-cut fresh fruit and vegetables where they are available. For inspiration, sign up for a seniors cooking class!
Losing independence is seldom something that hits us in an instant. Rather, it’s a series of gradual changes, most of which we can work our way around or even treat as a retirement job! When we do navigate a necessary change to accommodate new limitations, we should take pride in having done so!
