5 Things Seniors Can Do To Remain Independent Post Retirement

Different people define independence differently, but the desire to be independent is universal. Dependence of any kind, be it emotional or financial, can make any individual feel helpless. This feeling of helplessness becomes even more prevalent among senior citizens. Generally senior citizens feel helpless when they have to depend on someone else to manage their money or when they have to depend on someone else to drive them to their doctor’s appointment. Thus, it is extremely important for senior citizens to be self-sufficient to avoid feeling helpless.

Why Is Independence More Important In Retirement?

Independence for retirees is not limited to just going out with friends or spending money on whatever they like. It has more to do with having an emotional support system while doing things on your own. Seniors may feel lonely or feel that they don’t have much control over their life. This lack of control can make them feel lonely or overlooked. Thus, it is vital to be the narrator of your own story and take things into your own hands.   

Here are 5 things seniors can do to ensure their independence in retirement.

Being In Charge Of Your Own Finances

Primarily, it is of utmost importance to be financially independent in your retirement. If you have lived your entire life on your own terms, its important to maintain the same. Thus it is crucial to plan your retirement in a comprehensive manner in order to not compromise your lifestyle post-retirement.

Many parents in India rely financially on their children, which makes them feel less in control and more dependent. This lack of financial freedom can create a hesitation among senior citizens in doing what they want to do. However, if you manage your own finances, you will feel more in control and in charge of your life, leading to a happier and fuller life rather than being dependent on your children for money.

Continue Learning and Growing

A sense of independence also comes from feeling useful and stimulated. Retirement doesn't mean the end of personal growth. Seniors can explore new hobbies, take online courses, teach or mentor others, or even take up part-time work or consulting if health permits. Learning new skills, be it digital literacy or a new language, can help in boosting confidence and self-sufficiency, making seniors less reliant on others in everyday life.

Living On Your Own

Having your own space to live and managing your daily chores on your own is a key part of being independent. It is important to be able to live on your own and have the freedom to maintain your own house for feeling independent. Apart from that, eating healthy food and going for regular health checkups also allows senior citizens to be physically fit to take care of themselves. Senior citizens can also consider making their home more ‘senior friendly’ to reduce their dependence on others for doing everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, etc.

Taking Charge Of Your Mobility

Driving is a symbol of freedom, autonomy, and confidence for many seniors. Senior citizens can benefit from driving their own vehicle, as it allows them to go wherever they wish to go on their own terms. Maintaining safe driving habits such as taking regular eye exams or defensive driving courses is vital to stay safe. Being honest about your physical limits is also crucial. If senior citizens feel that they do not have the mental or physical strength required to drive a vehicle, they can consider ride-sharing apps or senior-friendly transport services.
 

Having A Vibrant Social Life

Having a vibrant social life outside their family not only helps retirees in avoiding loneliness but also helps them by providing emotional support without having to excessively depend on their family. Retirees can consider going on walks with their friend circle or making plans to watch films or have lunch to talk about their issues in confidence with their social circle. Having a vibrant social life can potentially improve your quality of life and emotional health.