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Seniors Living Alone: The Good, The Bad, and the Tips They Need

 



 According to the Indian census reports, more than 15 million seniors are living alone in India. Particularly in Tamil Nadu, 1 in every 10 seniors is living alone. Sometimes, a senior living alone is a choice and sometimes life just happens in that way for them.

 Whatever the reason, these lonely twilights in the lives of seniors should not make them feel like they are being left behind.

 With a little bit of grit and commitment, seniors can prove that they can live a quality life just like any other age group.

 In fact, many seniors enjoy living all by themselves. They like the thought of being independent and adore their own moments. 

 That’s only one side of the coin. There are cases of increased loneliness in seniors, depression in seniors and many other mental health issues as a result of living alone. 

 Whatever train you are on, being alone is a choice. If an elder is choosing to be alone, there is no room for loneliness or any other mental health issues. However, they still need preparation to avoid safety and security-related issues.

 Give it a Thought

●The first and foremost step is thoroughly analyzing if ‘living alone’ is a choice or a consequence.

● If it is not a choice, there is nothing wrong in availing alternative senior living options like assisted living and senior community living.

 Enrich Your Independence

 ● Once the decision is made, it is time to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the upcoming days of being alone and how to make the most of them.

● Take measures to enhance the support system around you in order to enrich your independence as long as possible.

Make Your Home Senior-friendly

 ● Aging in place is a widely recommended concept in the western world and India is slowly striding towards its adaptation.

●  The concept recommends evidence-based guidelines on the overall housing needs of seniors that include floors, furniture, kitchen, bathrooms, bedroom, lighting, living areas and security systems. 

 Every day, Try to Be Better than Yesterday

 ●   Be it your health, body, mind or your surroundings, always try to improve. 

●  Everyday progress in these aspects not only delay the symptoms of aging in general, but also significantly contribute to your independence for a long-term.

 Work on Your Relationships

 ● Being alone does not mean staying away from everyone. Work on your relationships with your family members. You need them more than you think and so they.

● Develop your close circle of friends and make sure you are enthusiastic and respect your relationship with them.

 Never Forget Your Refills

 ●   If you are on medication, keep a track on their availability and get the refills beforehand.

●  Leverage the apps and home care service providers to get reminders on your medical refills and medicine delivery at home.

 Security on Check

 ● Seniors who are living alone can be vulnerable to security threats. Keep your doors and windows locked, always!

● Install security systems that include emergency alarms, automatic doors, CC cameras around the house, and a proper home security system.

 Try Something New

 ● The newness in life is what makes it interesting and exciting. Always keep yourself in the direction of excitement that is derived from trying something new!

●  Learn guitar, join a club, become a full-time volunteer. If you have a heart to explore, there are many things you can do as a senior citizen.

Your Healthcare Support System -

 ●  No matter how independent you are, you cannot afford to ignore the fact that age is catching up and you have to play your part to delay it.

●  Have your medical care system in place in the form of home healthcare providers who offer a wide range of medical and personal care services at the comfort of your home.

  If you are a senior who is in dilemma of living alone or not, here are some frequently asked questions about seniors living alone which might help.

 

  1. What’s the difference between being alone and being lonely?  

 Being alone is a choice you make in order to make your own decisions and live the life of your choice.

 Being lonely is when you feel you are being left behind and there is no one to talk or stay with you.

 

  1. Is it good to live alone in post-retirement?

 It completely depends on the person and his/her situation at that point of life. There is no one-size-fits all in deciding whether living alone is good or notpost-retirement.

 

  1. How can home healthcare support seniors who are living alone?

 Home healthcare offers extensive support for seniors who are living alone by providing nursing care and personal assistance for seniors.

 The support includes help in daily living activities, bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, light meal preparation, and accompanying seniors in morning or evening walk, and so on.


 If independence is your marker in life, living alone can be a perfect choice. However, everything has its pros and cons. Only you know if you have got what it takes to live alone, how much and how long you can take it.

 

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