Thriving Alone: Essential Tips For Independence And Well-being For People With Disabilities And Seniors
The above picture shows an elderly couple holding hands and walking away from the camera. Source
Health revolves around the physical, mental, behavioral,
and social well-being. While it depends upon several factors related to your
lifestyle, you may experience a decline in health as you cross a certain age.
The elderly population and people with disabilities often find it difficult to
maintain health and thrive all by themselves.
However, certain measures and lifestyle modifications can help you overcome difficulties and live independently. Here are the tips that can make adapting and coping with disabilities or old age easy, efficient, and reliable.
1. Get A Hold Of Your Life
Did you know that some minor changes in your daily life
can add up and create huge differences? Start with getting a hold of your daily
life decisions and their impact on your lifestyle. Most people with
disabilities or the elderly rely on other family members for their life
decisions. However, the key to independence is handling daily life tasks and
decisions independently. You may start small by learning the art of washing
dishes or deciding the dinner menu. Small changes may help empower and develop
a sense of independence within you.
2. Seek Reliable Aids
When leading a smooth life, you can try out reliable aids
and assistive devices. The kind of assistive devices vary according to the kind
of disability and needs of the person. For urinary incontinence and bladder
issues, you can try pull
on diapers and briefs.
Other than this, hearing aids may help tackle the different kinds of deafness.
Regarding locomotor disability, mobility devices like
scooters, wheelchairs, and crutches can significantly help. All you need to do
is look for the ideal device that suits your needs and makes your life easier.
3. Keep A Check On Your Diet
Many people with disabilities or elderly people end up
having an unhealthy lifestyle with poor eating habits. However, working on your
diet is crucial for optimum health and well-being. You might want to target
nutritious and wholesome foods to tackle nutritional problems. Also, try to get
a health profile done and include the foods deficient in your body for maximum
nourishment.
A well-balanced diet may help overcome the immunological
issues arising from old age and disability. Not to forget, it may contribute to
better stamina and flexibility to cope with life's daily stressors.
4. Find New Hobbies
Human
beings are social creatures and thrive on interpersonal bonding. The same holds
for people with disabilities and the aged population as well. If you’re
elderly, you must continue to build connections and try out new
hobbies. The key to leading an individualistic and free-spirited
life lies in learning and stimulating your brain.
Whether
playing a new instrument or joining a community group that supports your
interest, you must try it all. Not only will it help restore your
self-confidence, but it also makes you an independent person. Try embracing
change and keep learning to boost your cognitive abilities.
5.
Prioritize Physical Activity
Almost everybody realizes the need for an active
lifestyle. But how many of you make an effort to incorporate physical activity?
As an elderly, the need to lead an active lifestyle increases twofold. This is
due to locomotion issues and muscular atrophy due to lack of movement.
Hence, you must prioritize physical activity to the
extent your body allows. It could be anything, whether walking in your backyard
or playing a light sport you love. Finding ways to make your life more
agile and energetic goes a long way in preventing aging-related health issues.
Experts reveal
that adhering to an active lifestyle can prevent many non-communicable diseases
like diabetes and hypertension
in the aged population. Also, it stimulates their body, enhances flexibility,
and promotes longevity.
6. Modify Your
Surroundings
Another important thing is to modify your surroundings
and make your home a safe space. You must transform your space according to
your needs and remove potential threats. Try to rearrange the furniture and
clear the pathways to prevent falls. Also, you can work on lowering the
surfaces like beds, sinks, or other areas for proper access.
Make sure to enhance the illumination for better
visibility and reduced chances of accidents. Moreover, tucking the wires and
cords can help prevent possible injuries from slipping. Such small changes in
your living space go a long way in removing the potential hurdles toward a free
and independent life.
Final Verdict
Are you an elderly or disabled who wishes to live on your
terms? If you crave an independent life, you might want to work on a few things
related to your lifestyle and living space. Start with taking your power back
and making small decisions independently. Further, you can try improving your
lifestyle through better eating habits and nutritional measures.