A survey conducted by Delhi based NGO Agewell foundation found that one-fourth of the elderly population is staying alone. This number is particularly high in urban cities where the nuclear family is the norm. It was also observed that many older persons preferred living with their similarly aged spouse or alone. This, in essence, shows that they value their freedom and independence. But issues start arising as the age progresses and they become financially and physically dependent on others for their well being.
As an elderly person opting to stay independently, there are some basic questions that you must ask yourself to ensure your well being and safety.
Questions for Seniors Living Alone
Ques 1: What is your level of dependency? Are you able to take care of yourself?
Assess the assistance that you require on a daily basis. Are you able to take a bath, use the toilet, prepare food and look after yourself on a daily basis? Are you living with pain on a daily basis or do you experience pain while doing the above-mentioned activities? If the answer to the above is “yes” then you should reconsider your decision to stay alone.
Ques 2: How friendly is your home to your needs as an ageing adult?
Most apartments and homes are not geriatric friendly as they were not designed for it. You might have bought it during your younger days but how feasible is staying in this particular home now? As you age, the risk of falling and hurting oneself is quite high- so how safe is you in the house is an important point to consider.
Ques 3: How is your mental health – especially related to stress and tension?
Stress and tension aggravate your health conditions in a negative way. So it is vital to assess your stress levels if you are staying alone. Stress and mental tension can lead to forgetfulness as well as anxiety which can be quite dangerous while living alone.
Ques 4: How healthy is your diet?
As you age there are many dietary restrictions imposed on you for medical reasons such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels. It is essential to prepare and eat healthy while still considering your diet restrictions. Are you able to manage this aspect?
Ques 5: What is your take on socialising?
If you are a person who enjoys socialising, old age and loss of a spouse can bring about a higher level of isolation and depression. This is again detrimental to your well being. So if you love socialising or are prone to depression, it is important to think about living in a place where these aspects can be well managed.
A very good place for elders to live independently while still having all the daily requirements handled by a specific and trained group of persons is retirement homes. As you age, you can invest in a retirement home where you retain your privacy and independence. All general aspects such as cooking of food specific to your health, paying bills, medical assistance etc are provided by the agency. One such retirement home is Primus Reflection, where you have the option to choose apartments on lease or ownership basis that comes with loads of assistance. You can enjoy socialising and group activities with peers while still living in the privacy of your home.
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