Keep Your Home Safe
An accessible home is a safe home, and if your support system is not close by, you will need to find other ways of going about your life without the risk of injuries, such as ones from falls. There are other modifications you can add, such as grab bars, non-slip mats, extra lighting, and special treads on the stairs. Another option is to install a home elevator, so you don’t even have to worry about the stairs. Adding a niche residential elevator can help alleviate any concerns from you or your family members about falling on the stairs.
Focus on Making New Connections
As you get older, it becomes harder to make social connections. The places you make connections in now may become harder to access as you age, or you may no longer do them. This is the time to form lasting connections with others, which will reduce loneliness during your golden years. Even if you consider yourself to be an introvert, it is still important for your mental and emotional wellbeing to spend time with others. If you have neighbors or friends already, try to stay in touch.
While you don’t have to get together all the time, keeping up with their lives can make a big difference. You can look for places to make social connections . There are likely many resources in your community, including senior centers, recreation centers that offer classes, and libraries that have clubs. Whether or not you make a lifelong friend, interacting with others socially will stop you from feeling isolated, especially if you will be facing other milestones, such as becoming an empty nester.
Learn to Enjoy Quality Alone Time
Getting older often means spending more time by yourself . As the kids grow up and leave the home and you retire, you may find that you are no longer surrounded by nearly as many people as you have been accustomed to. While it is important to maintain meaningful connections, learning to enjoy quality time alone will also allow you to truly enjoy your golden years. If you don’t have many hobbies that you enjoy, take some time to seek out a variety of interests that you can enjoy. These things can help you feel productive and keep you mentally engaged. Many retirees spend time gardening, doing puzzles, exercising, reading, or knitting, but there are hundreds of hobbies out there, so don’t be afraid to seek out something niche. If you aren’t sure where to start, consider looking into classes offered by local centers, or ask around to see what others are doing in their spare time. Even if you haven’t yet retired, starting a hobby now allows you to bring something enjoyable into retirement.