The Essential Guide for Seniors Who Live Alone

​For some, living alone is a dream come true, with your own space, the relaxing quiet, and a rewarding sense of independence as you age in place. However, in your senior years, your body is not what it used to be, and when there is no one immediately by your side, some additional concerns are bound to come up. Ease your family’s mind (and yours) with these essential tips for seniors who live alone:

​Your Health 

First and foremost, you need to ensure that your fitness is still functioning at a reasonable level, no excuses. Thankfully, improving your physical condition can be as simple as getting out of the house and walking around as much as possible. The fresh air will help destress and calm you, the movement will strengthen your muscles and bones to avoid falls, and the outdoor scenery will rejuvenate your spirit and minimize your brooding.

Exercise is nothing, however, without a healthy diet to complement it. Stock up on lean protein, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat alternatives, without forgetting to drink plenty of water. If mobility is a concern for you, look at online services who will deliver groceries to your door, and while you’re at it, ask if there is an option to order your medication too! 

​Your Medication 

​Speaking of medication, you should regularly go for health check-ups and speak to your doctor about your prescriptions. Even if you are not experiencing any negative side effects, it is still a good idea to reevaluate their benefits and get a professional’s opinion about other choices on the market. During this conversation, you might want to ask if you can get some additional boxes too, as these can be your safety net if you run out and can’t get to the pharmacy for whatever reason. 

Without anyone to remind you, it is imperative to have a foolproof system which tracks your medication schedule. Set up a calendar or (for the more tech savvy) install one of the many available smartphone apps which can keep inventory of your medicine for you, alert you when it’s time to take pills, and remind you when refills are due.

​Your Social Life 

One of the biggest risks that seniors face when living by themselves, is that dark feeling of loneliness, known to aggravate depression, impair physical health, and even deteriorate cognitive performance. Fortunately, there are ways to combat it: go out and see more people! Get to know your neighbors, participate in community activities, make an appearance at local gatherings, and attend classes which focus on your hobbies. 

For family members, it’s important to frequently check in with your loved ones who live alone. Establish a routine visiting agenda, and use technologies like Skype to make contact when a personal stopover isn’t possible. When you do come around, ask about these isolation troubles and review their current medication situation, but only after you’ve given them a big hug! 

​Your Home

The best way to deal with a fall is to not have one at all, which is why the home needs to be set up in ways to avoid this common occurrence. Walk through each room and remove any potentially dangerous trip hazards, such as loose rugs, exposed wires, and general clutter. Reorganize furniture until there is a clear path from one end of the house to the other, and confirm that each room is bright enough to see where you’re going. Install hand railings in the bathrooms and up the stairs, use non-slip covering on tiles, and purchase a fall mat to place next to the bed, preventing any potential injuries from falls at night. 

For additional peace of mind, investigate the security of your house. Are the front door and any other protective gates easy to lock? Does the neighborhood warrant an alarm system? Would a motion-activated light sensor protect against any break-ins? These are only some of the questions which need to be addressed. 

Finally, spare a thought towards preparing for the worst. If a natural disaster strikes or the power goes out, how will this affect someone without a helping hand? Minimize any severe predicaments by keeping a flashlight next to the bed, a collection of spare batteries in an easy to reach location, and a large reserve bottle of water just in case. And, of course, test those smoke alarms every week! 

​In Case of Emergency 

​At the end of the day, accidents are going to happen, which is why there are certain essentials which cannot be overlooked. List all crucial numbers next to the phone for easy access, purchase a wearable alert system to call for help if you’re unable to move, and keep an ID bracelet on your person at all times, detailing any existing conditions to inform emergency professionals when you are unable to.