A GUIDE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING

Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you need to lose your independence

Growing older. It happens to all of us. And, it seems, more of us too. Census 2021 results revealed that there are more people than ever before in older age groups, with over 11 million people (18.6 per cent of the total UK population) being aged 65 or older.

And, while there are many benefits to happily seeing in our later years (wisdom, grandkids, more free time, less inhibitions, a free bus pass), the most important thing for many people is to retain their independence for as long as they’re able to.

Sometimes though, we might just need a helping hand to live the lifestyle we’d like, which is why we’ve taken a look at the best ideas, tips and products to help you stay independent, for longer.

Set a plan in place

Planning ahead can be a little tricky, as you never know when you might need some assistance living at home. However, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your future is full of freedom. Consider the practicalities of living at home and make a list of the different rooms you might need to make adjustments to. For example, getting up and down stairs, climbing into the bath or sleeping on a high bed can be affected by your mobility around the house. If you have a large garden, managing that may also be a consideration. If you live alone, think about the people who may be able to assist you in the future; if you’re a couple, consider each other's needs should one of you need more help due to illness or health problems.

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