There’s no avoiding the fact that as we get older, our needs change. This can often mean that those we once cared for begin to care for us. However, there are certain steps that you can take to remain mobile and independent during your senior years!

Build exercise into your routine now. No matter how much you feel this is untrue, it's never too late to get into exercise. Furthermore, the sooner you start participating in this activity, the sooner you’ll see the benefits. 

For example, a recent study found that among those in the ‘aging community,’ in addition to exercising, can: 

• Prevent disease
• Improve mental well-being
• Improve cognitive function
• Lower the risk of falls 

There are many different ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. For example, you could start by aiming to hit at least 10,000 steps a day, which is easily achieved by going for a short walk on your lunch break or before/after work. While this is not classified as a high-impact workout, it is a great way to regain your health and can even be great for your mental health.

If you prefer something a little more strenuous, consider signing up for a gym membership or taking exercise classes. 

Stretch each morning. As we get older, many different complications could limit our agility. For example, you may find yourself dealing with chronic pain or injuries that mean you can’t entirely move like you used to. However, you can limit the effect these complications have on your overall mobility and independence by stretching each morning (or evening). This helps you to stay flexible and fit, which studies have found can also help to improve your balance. This means it is a great way to prevent slips, trips and falls! 

Keep yourself busy. As we get older, it's normal to enjoy a slower pace of life. For example, you may sleep in more often or go to bed a little earlier. However, it's important that you maintain an active social calendar instead of spending every day sitting at your TV. This can benefit you in many ways. For example, it ensures that you keep your body moving, improving your physical and mental health. However, it can also help to prevent loneliness and isolation, something which one in three seniors deal with, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization.

You can keep yourself busy in many different ways in this regard. For example, you could join a social club or sign up for some classes related to your hobbies. For example, if you’ve always been interested in art, you could sign up for painting and pottery classes. It's never too late to pick up a new skill! 

Socialising, in any capacity, is also key to maintaining independence. This is crucial for those who are hoping to age in place rather than spend time at a care facility, as it can help slow down cognitive decline. 

Seek expert help. Maintaining your independence does not mean refusing to seek help when needed. Seeking help and support is crucial to ensuring you can live independently for as long as possible. This is because you can put the necessary plans in place to support yourself or better your health. For example, if you’re dealing with joint pain or mobility issues, you may want to contact orthopedic doctors in your local area who can provide comprehensive care and support. Together, you can discuss the best course of action when managing your symptoms, whether surgery or physiotherapy. 

Consider working with a carer. It is important to note that aging in place does not necessarily mean aging alone. For example, you can still benefit from working with senior caregivers, especially as your health needs become more complex or harder to manage. Services like Proactive Healthcare Home Health offer personalized care that supports your independence and overall wellness. As such, you may consider hiring a carer or nursing aide who can visit your home a few times a week (or daily) to ensure your needs are met. They can help with everything from bathing to food prep to cleaning! 

Follow the doctor's orders. Whether you’re working with a specialist doctor (as mentioned above), a dentist, or a therapist, it's important that you follow all of the advice they give you. Don’t assume that you know better! Doing so will allow you to remain healthy, mobile and independent for as long as possible. 

Accept that things are changing. While you may feel young at heart, it is important that you accept that things are changing, which means that your needs will change, too. This acceptance will go a long way toward making your day-to-day life easier, as you’ll know what limitations you are dealing with and will not try to push yourself too far. 

With that in mind, it is also important that you admit that living independently may no longer be an option for you. While this can be difficult to process, you have many options. 

For example, you could move into a retirement village, a senior living facility or a care home if living with family members is not a viable option. While this may change your day-to-day lifestyle, it also means that you have nearly instantaneous access to support should you need it, which becomes all the more crucial as your needs change—final thoughts. In short, there are many steps that you can take to ensure that you stay mobile and independent as you get older, from attending regular health screenings and appointments to being able to admit when you need help. Taking any of the steps above is sure to set you off on the right track so that you can enjoy the true beauty of your golden years.