Tips for Maintaining Independence from a Methuen Senior Community

Implement these tips sooner, rather than later!

As much as we wish it were so, the fountain of youth isn’t real. But that doesn’t mean we can’t maintain our health, energy, and independence! These days, seniors are more socially, mentally, and physically active than ever before. They’re enjoying their golden years more than ever thanks to new medical innovation, new research, and taking an active approach to maintain their independence as they age.

There are proactive ways to take charge early in an effort to maintain your independence. When it comes to promoting one’s health, it’s always best to take a holistic approach. This means taking care of mental, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing to ensure both a healthy mind and body.

If you aren’t already finding ways to maintain your independence, now is the time to start! Don’t know where to start? Consider these tips, compiled by the expert team at The Woods at Merrimack, a top independent living community in Massachusetts:

Enhance Your Home

Making sure that your home is safe for you is important in maintaining your independence. These tips will help minimize hazards, reduce risk and make independent living easier:

• Install automatic or motion-detection lights outside for safety.
• Secure railings inside and outside for support when needed.
• Install assistance railing in bathrooms for support when needed.
• Install a home security system if you don’t have one already.
• Secure rugs and loose cords to the floor to decrease the risk of tripping.
• Install lights in dark areas of the home with accessible light switches
• Consider getting a medical alert system to make calling for assistance in the case of an emergency easier.

Take Care of Mental Health

There are so many different aspects of mental health and so many different factors that contribute to it. For seniors, socialization, exercise, and brain stimulation are a few of the most important things to focus on to take care of their mental health. Here are a few activities that are great for taking care of your mental health:

• Find groups to be part of to maintain socialization such as fitness classes, church groups, book clubs, volunteer opportunities, etc.
• Take up new (or old!) hobbies such as cooking, reading, golfing, crafting, gardening, etc.
• Engage in regular exercise that fits your physical capabilities
• Ensure that you get enough sleep, and take a break once in a while to just relax!
• Play brain games like puzzles, crosswords, Scrabble, etc.
• Spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.

Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet

You know what they say–you are what you eat! It’s important to incorporate delicious yet healthy foods into your diet that promote both physical and mental health. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about their recommendations, then research some new, exciting recipes online! You can enjoy trying new foods while feeding your body nutritious meals.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is medicine–it can help with mood, anxiety, pain, brain health, depression–the list just keeps going and going. Staying active and exercising regularly is extremely important for seniors and is key to maintaining independence. By exercising, you can strengthen your muscles, improve your mobility, increase flexibility and so much more that will allow you to reap wonderful benefits and enjoy your golden years. Exercise can also help with your stability and balance, reducing the risk of falls. If you want to maintain independence, you need to start exercising regularly. Even just increasing activity levels by a little can make a huge difference.

Some retirement communities provide all the resources you need for maintaining your independence for as long as possible, and The Woods at Merrimack is one of them! We offer a healthy menu, exercise classes, engaging events and socialization opportunities, and much more. If you are considering independent living options in Massachusetts, The Woods at Merrimack would love to show you what all we have to offer!

To learn more about residency or to schedule a tour of The Woods at Merrimack, contact our friendly team today.