How Easy Is It To Remain Independent When You Retire?

Many people don’t really think about retirement. As someone who managed to retire early and live the life I wanted free from the demands of meaningless work I often wonder why. But for some, work is the lifeline they can’t be without. It’s the career that you feel passionate about and often want to do until you can no longer do the job properly. I do understand that philosophy. Which means that many people retire later, and can often worry about the independence they may have as they enter the later years of life. However, it is easier than ever to still remain independent, even if you choose to retire at the latest possible year. As I am looking at our own future old age and independent living I thought I would share with you some of the ways you can do it.

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Having your home adapted

I am not saying that the moment you retire that you may no longer be able to walk up your stairs or pull yourself out of bed. But as the years go on, this can be a real possibility. Many people who want to live independently in their retirement do not want to live out of their home, so instead, you can consider getting it adapted. This might mean a stair lift or grab handles around your home to make movement easier. Other things like changing out-door knobs for levers and a walk in tub or shower are also great considerations.

The advancements in technology

There are huge advancements in technology that now make independent living as a senior much more possible than ever before. There are things that can be added to your home such as emergency buttons that can be pressed when you need assistance. But the biggest change is that of wearable technology. Wearing a watch to tell you when to take your medication or what appointment is due that day. Enabling someone you love to keep track of your health without needing to be with you every minute of the day.

Being part of an independent living community

You may like the idea of moving home, perhaps to free up some financial equity built up in your property, but you still want to remain independent rather than in some sort of care home. The answer is retirement complexes. These form a retirement community that you can become part of, while still gaining your independence of living on your own or with your partner.

Saving now for financial independence

Often the choices we make now can really affect our future, so it is important for us all to start saving early to enjoy the independence we crave in our retirement, no matter what age we choose to do it. Budgeting and living frugally were the ways I did it, but it can just be as simple as saving a small amount each month or focusing on clearing debts.

Having help for errands and other tasks

Finally, just because you want to live independently, it doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help when it is needed. This is when you could have someone deliver meals, or take advantage of recipe boxes where the ingredients are provided for you. Depending on where you live, transportation is easier than ever with Uber and Lyft type services. Help could mean hiring a gardener, landscaper or grandchild to tackle your lawn and garden or just having someone come in to check on you every now and again.

 

There are many ways to plan for our older age and living independently. These are just a few of the things that can be considered.

2 thoughts on “How Easy Is It To Remain Independent When You Retire?

  1. I think this is definitely something more people should think about and plan for ahead of time than waiting until the last minute. Good post Tommy.

    1. Thanks for the comment Arrgo. Even though we are far from elderly, we have been thinking about what we can do to stay in our 2 story home for as long as possible. I saw first-hand how a stair lift/elevator has helped my mother stay at home. You are right, the earlier we plan the better. We will be making changes over time instead of waiting until it’s too late and it turns into a big project we can’t handle ourselves or delayed changes causes unpleasant living conditions or worse, a health impacting accident in old age.
      Tommy

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