Across the world, most senior citizens live with their extended family. However, this trend seems to be changing as most seniors prefer to live alone. In the United States, around 27% of seniors live alone.

Suppose you wish to prevent family disagreements and live the later years of your life without relying on anyone, then consider living independently. Being over 60 and living alone can be risky, especially if you already suffer from a medical condition. For continuing to live alone at this age, keep a few considerations in mind for your health and safety. This article explains these measures.

1. Make a List of Activities

Living alone can be damaging to your mental health. Older adults living alone can get lonely and may frequently experience depression, laziness, and anxiety. To avoid such mental health issues, make a daily routine of your activities. Find something you want to do by yourself, whether it is reading, watching movies, or going on walks. You might also take up something new like golf or mowing the grass. 

You can also volunteer with a local organization that allows you to interact with fellow seniors in the community. Having a social circle contributes to your mental-wellbeing. You should always keep your brain and muscles busy. As you age, becoming stiff and weak becomes easier. Being active helps you keep your mind and body happy and healthy. 

2. Install a Medical Alert System

Health emergencies are a number one concern for seniors living alone. There is no method for you to call an ambulance if you somehow suffer severe injuries in your home. However, this can be remedied by medical alert systems. These devices are simple to wear as they are wristwatches and necklaces with a help button. These gadgets notify an emergency contact center and place the necessary calls for assistance to arrive if you experience an unfortunate health scare. 

Medical alert systems also include features like GPS position detection, monitoring of health indicators, and fitness tracking. These features offer emergency assistance and allow you to stay in tune with your body conditions. In Canada, Life Assure offers these medical emergency services. For more information, review this Life Assure review guide. 

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your body has a limited lifespan before it begins to deteriorate intellectually and physically. To slow down the process of becoming ill and inactive, you must consume a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. If you are continually sick, you have a lower chance of recovering on your own.

With a deteriorating medical condition, most doctors will advise you to live with a relative or in an old age center. By eating healthy, you can still live an active life as you did in your younger years.

4. Get Rid of Clutter

Seniors find it difficult to maintain a tidy home. The more belongings you have, the more difficult it is to manage it in the house. Keeping a clean and orderly home gets more challenging when you feel overburdened by your possessions. Declutter your home by deciding what to throw away, donate, or sell after going through your possessions. After decluttering, your space should only contain the necessities, making it easier to find and navigate your stuff. 

Endnote

Living alone has gotten easier as technology has evolved more and more. You should consider the above measures if you are a senior living alone.  Living alone gives you the autonomy to handle your tasks without burdening a family member. 

As a senior living alone, be sure to take extra care of your health by participating in various activities, joining social circles, and eating healthy. Consider wearing a medical alert device to get instant aid in medical emergencies, and ensure your house is decluttered so you can access your essential belongings easily. These precautions will ensure you enjoy and easily manage to live alone in your later years.