“Aging in place is on the mind of almost every senior I talk to,” says Keri Severinski, Residency Coordinator for Bria Communities in Langley. “People are really proud of their independence, and no one wants to give it up.”
Thanks to a growing number of supportive services and proactive wellness strategies, it’s possible to enjoy the freedom of doing life your way for years to come. Here are some practical ways to help you stay independent and thriving:
GET MOVING THE RIGHT WAY
“You don’t have to look far to see that mobility is the key to independence,” Keri observes. Agility, balance, and strength training help improve health, reduce your risk of falling, build confidence, and support daily tasks like walking, bathing, and getting in and out of a car.
SAY YES TO TECHNOLOGY
“The more comfortable you are with digital tools, the more you’ll be able to manage your own life,” notes Keri. Digital literacy has become an essential aspect of medical care, travel, banking and entertainment, not to mention staying connected to loved ones. Getting left behind is a sure way to limit your independence. Feeling left behind? Check out the free resources offered by Gluu Society.
TRANSPORTATION = FREEDOM
Seniors with easy access to transportation can maintain control over their schedules and stay connected to the world around them. “Choose to live in a walkable neighbourhood or close to a reliable transit system,” says Keri. “Better yet, choose a retirement community like ours with a courtesy shuttle service.
STAYING SOCIAL, STAYING ALIVE
It’s easy to stay in, but loneliness and isolation can be silent threats to independence. Social connections boost your mood, support cognitive function, improve heart health, and motivate you to get out of bed in the morning.
KNOW WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP
“Staying independent doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness!” Keri explains. A broad support network helps protect your independence, letting you focus on what’s most important to you (like agility, balance and strength training!) Keri notes that having a wide support system also helps keep caregiver fatigue away.
YOUR LIFE ON YOUR TERMS
“Our residences are full of seniors who are living their lives on their terms,” says Keri. “It’s a matter of making good choices that support your ability to be independent to the very end.”
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