Most people want to live in their own homes for as long as possible. To do this we need to stay as healthy as we can and be proactive in taking care of ourselves.

We all know that nutrition is important, but as we get older and we live on our own we have less impetuous to prepare a wholesome meal. A saucepan for 3 small potatoes, a pan for a pork chop and another saucepan for some vegetables with a jug for sauce or gravy plus the plate and cutlery can feel like a huge effort for one person.

Supermarkets don’t help either. To buy sensibly priced food we often need to buy large quantities most of which will invariably be thrown away.

We can see why older people living on their own begin to neglect good eating habits.

A few things can be done to make sure we are eating a well balanced diet with as little effort as possible.

First never underestimate raw food. Fruit, nuts, seeds, a nice thick slide of bread and honey are great ways to snack during the day. Tomatoes are excellent and chopping up a bit of salad with a tin of salmon, tuna or pilchards may not be very exotic, but it’s healthy and easy to do. Look out for tins that are easy to open, or buy one of those gadgets that can help.

Hot food however, is something we all need especially in the winter. There are two things that we can do to here. For instance, if we are well enough, we can cook in bulk and freeze individual portions. Perhaps once a week make a favourite soup recipe, casserole, curry, lasagna, chilli con carne or shepherds pie. The list is endless and by just choosing one a week the freezer will soon fill up.

Second, there are some very good companies now delivering ready cooked meals. They are either sold frozen to be heated up in a microwave or delivered ready to eat on a daily basis.

Our health is paramount If we want to stay in our own homes for as long as possible our, so it’s worth giving this some thought.

Independent living

As we age most of us want to stay independent for as long as possible. The comfort of our own home surrounded by memories and familiarity is to be treasured.

For some, of course, a care home is the best option depending on individual circumstances, but this article is about how we can best retain our independence.

The frustrations of not being able to do things as we used to do can be quite overwhelming at times. Gardening, cleaning, negotiating the stairs, even pouring water from the kettle can become difficult.

At this very moment there is a huge lather of activity as a growing army of companies and agencies develop fantastic products and ideas to help keep us at home, where we want to be. This however, can be confusing in itself, so it is wise to scrutinise the choices. Remember, we don’t have to take the first option on any product or service; there is plenty to chose from.

Retaining independence

Home care packages, practical support and adapting our homes to suit our needs are evolving and this article highlights the sort of considerations authorities are reviewing. This is worth reading to get a general overview, click on summary for the full report.

Even those with dementia do not have to go into care homes quite as soon as some think. There are several ways people can be helped; it is all down to getting the right information. As such, there are workshops caregivers can attend to learn and find support. One such provider of these courses is on this link.

For those who have physical impairments, there are many gadgets and gizmos that aid failing eyesight, hearing problems and mobility issues. Again it’s worth shopping around and contacting specialist agencies such as RNIB who help the blind and the partially sighted or for those of us who have various levels of hearing loss. To add to the list here is a link to all sorts of useful aids.

It’s also worth checking out what your local authority can provide.

Food

Independent living

Retaining independence

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