Self Help for the Elderly: How Aging Adults Can Care for Themselves at Home

As the population ages and people continue to live longer than the generations before them, it has become more and more evident that older adults prefer to stay in their homes for as long as possible.

A 2023 article by WebMD stated that 27% of adults over age 60 are living alone in the United States – a statistic much higher than other countries. So how can aging adults care for themselves at home alone?

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Self Help Tips for Seniors

There are some practical ways seniors can take care of themselves at home to stay healthy and safe. Some safety tips for seniors living alone include:

• Keep emergency numbers handy – this includes family members and neighbors in addition to things like 911 and your primary care practitioner
• Prevent falls – keep walking paths clear and well-lit, get rid of slippery rugs or tape them to the floor, wear socks or slippers with grips on the bottom when walking on smooth floors, and use walking aids (like canes and walkers) rather than holding onto furniture to get around
• Bathroom safety – install grab bars in the shower and around the toilet, put down rubber mats, and consider using a bench in the shower if it’s difficult to stand
• Organize your medication – use a pill organizer or calendar to help you keep track of whether you have taken your medications, ask your pharmacist for large print on your medication bottles so you can read them easily
• Keep your personal information safe – never give out personal information in an email or over the phone unless you have specifically called a person or a company and know they are trustworthy – this includes credit card numbers, bank account numbers, email addresses and especially passwords. Remember the IRS will never call you to ask for money, neither will a law enforcement office, and you never need a gift card to make a payment. 

Self-Care for Seniors

One of the biggest challenges for seniors living alone is loneliness. Keep in mind that most older adults have been surrounded by other people their entire lives – whether they had a spouse and children that lived with them or a job or other activities that kept them social and around people. With a sudden shift to living alone, loneliness can easily set in.

Loneliness is dangerous. It can cause depression and anxiety. It can disrupt sleep, raise blood pressure and increase stress. Loneliness also greatly increases the risk of dementia, heart attack, stroke and diabetes. One of the best ways to fight loneliness and the resulting mental health challenges is by practicing self-care. 

Self-care refers to intentional activities and practices that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Self-care can include something as simple as listening to music you enjoy or something more involved like getting a massage or going on a trip.  Some tips for self care for the elderly include:

• Eat healthy. While you can certainly continue to have your french fries or sweet desserts, eating generally healthy meals will help you feel better, both physically and mentally. 
• Be proactive about physical and mental health. Go to those regular doctor and dentist appointments so you can catch any potential issues before they become too serious. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you are feeling lonely or anxious, either. These feelings are just as important to take seriously as knee pain or an unending headache, and they can be treated as well. 
• Be social. Have a weekly phone or video call with family and friends, especially if they don’t live nearby. Look for activities at local libraries and community centers. 
• Do something you enjoy every day. Read a book. Watch a show or movie you love. Work in the garden. Whatever your hobby – make sure you are making time to actually do it. 
• Get outside. “Touch grass” as the kids say. Getting some fresh air, sunshine, and proximity to nature is scientifically proven to boost your mood. 
• Practice gratitude. Keep a journal if that is your thing and write down one thing you are grateful for every day. This focus on the positive shifts your outlook and helps you notice the little things that make you smile every day. 

There are so many ways to practice self-care and only a few options are listed here. The goal is to do something that is just for you that makes you happy. That is a great way to keep the loneliness at bay and take care of yourself even while living alone.

To learn about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.