As we age, our bodies naturally experience physical and cognitive decline, making it difficult to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently — e.g., bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom.
The GOLD Standard
This is the gold standard by which professionals measure our abilities to function well in our daily lives,
If we do not meet this standard, help is needed and accepted. This is not an “all or none” approach. Oftentimes, it’s just one thing we need help with or choose not to do anymore.
What causes loss of independence in the elderly?
The natural effects of aging can sometimes make independent living harder than it once was. Difficulties with mobility make us not want to do as much as we used to. On the other side of the coin, we want to rest more in between our physical events, like cleaning the home, mowing the yard, gardening, etc.
Behavioral health conditions such as isolation and loneliness may come into play if we are in pain or find our friends do not want to come out and “play” with us anymore because they are feeling their age.
And then there are the financial strains. Will this make us move in with a family member? Do we really want to live with someone else and give up our beloved homes? Over 90% of us live in our own homes and never move. Can we afford this?
What 3 factors affect an elderly person's independence?
When you visit your Senior loved ones, check that their home environment promotes health and well-being. Do they love their home? Are they thriving or just surviving?
Safety, nutrition, and mobility are major factors that impact a person's ability to live independently.
Which is the most common major challenge for older adults?
Enables seniors to live independently starts with their families treating them ith respect and dignity. Understanding their challenges helps us see what they see.
We, seniors, may not want to express to our family members the following difficulties because our family wants to go from zero to ten and pull out all stops.
- Ageism and a lost sense of purpose.
- Financial insecurity.
- Difficulty with everyday tasks and mobility.
- Finding the right care provision.
- Access to healthcare services.
Families need to realize that we seniors are just commenting on ONE thing and not our whole world.
For example, if I tell my daughter I feel I have lost my sense of purpose in life, she may want me to move in with her so she can be my social manager. Or She may want me to join “meet-ups” and find new friends or get on a dating app and find a partner. Or she may drag me to the doctor or therapist to get evaluated for depression.
Yet, all I was doing was telling her I was going through a phase. I didn’t want to “fix” but to just listen.
How can both seniors and their families honor independence?
8 Strategies for Balancing Support and Independence for Seniors
1. Help us continue with hobbies and social activities. Maybe you like to do the hobby with us or know friends that would love to come over and do the activity with me.
2. Allow us to take part in day-to-day chores. If you’re cooking a big meal, invite me over to help.
3. Allow us to make our own choices. We welcome your suggestions but we want to make our own decisions so give us options.
6. Encourage physical and mental exercise. When you’re out walking invite me along every once and a while. If you’re going to a park, can I come, too?
7. Ensure their home is safe. You may see things in my home that I do not see. Show them to me and let’s discuss them. I do not want to fall so I need to be safe. We both want the same thing here.
8. Be in communication and know when to help and when to leave it alone. Sometimes, I just want to vent. Ask me if I want your solutions or your ear just to vent. We don’t always need to fix it.
See my FREE Super Ager’s Starter Guide for more information on how you can stay healthy while aging.
