10 Ways to Stay Safe While Living Alone as an Older Woman
Women’s safety is an essential topic in society, but our safety needs can often change as we age. It doesn’t matter if you’re 65 or 82–your safety matters, and if you’re living alone as an older woman, safety must be a top priority for you.
Let’s explore some easy ways that older women can stay safe when living alone.
Essential Safety Tips for Senior Women Living Independently
1. Know the Risks Around Your Home
Our homes are where we feel the most comfortable, but it is important to remember that they can come with risks. Since we generally spend the majority of our time at home, we are more likely to experience a crisis at this location or near it.
Every home has a standard set of risks. They come in many forms—heavy objects, slippery floors, chores that are particularly taxing. As we age, certain household items can pose a higher risk, like a set of sheets wrapping around your leg when you are making the bed.
Living alone as an older woman means being a little more cautious. Take time to consider what parts of your home may increase your risk of an accident.
2. Listen to Your Doctor
Age brings Wisdom, and every wise person knows that the doctor generally knows best. Getting older can change our bodies in many ways, and with time, good health can begin to fade. For this reason, it is very important to have regular check-ins with your doctor to find out essential information about your health.
Remember, knowing is only the first part of this process. It doesn’t matter if you have high blood pressure, fading eyesight, or Diabetes—there are steps you must take for your health. Listen to your doctor, and be sure to follow their recommendations.
Maintaining your health is the key to graceful Aging as an independent senior.
3. Prioritize Your Mental Health and Overall Happiness
You might not expect Mental Health to have an impact on your safety, but you should. Our mental health can actually influence a lot for our personal safety—and our physical health.
When you care for your mental health, you are more likely to support your physical health. Not only does positive mental health help support physical health and recovery, but it can also help you to be more focused and aware of your surroundings.
You’re always exactly the right age to practice self-care!
4. Spend Time With Others Regularly
Living alone as an older woman does not mean going through life all alone, and it is important to remember that. You can enjoy the peace and privacy of your own space, but it is also important to go out and make connections. A thriving social life is one truly exceptional way to stay safe when living alone. It can support your mental and physical health in several ways, including:
● Helping you feel happier and more connected
● Getting you outside and moving
● Letting you get a second pair of eyes on you and your well-being
● Making sure that someone knows if something goes wrong
● Keeping you positive and focused on the future
5. Secure Your Doors and Windows
From a physical standpoint, living alone as an older woman means securing your home. A secure home is a safe haven where you can rest comfortably each night, and you have the added benefit of sleeping on whatever side of the bed you choose!
There are quite a few steps you can take to improve your home Security, but the best place to start is with your windows and doors. These common entry points to the home are what criminals will target, so invest in a good set of locks to protect each of these areas.
For more protection, you can always invest in alternative solutions, like bars or a security system.
6. Report Suspicious Activity
It doesn’t matter where you live—the best way to keep your neighborhood safe is to remain vigilant. If you notice any suspicious activity around your home or neighborhood, you will want to report it to local security groups or the police.
When you see something strange that is not an emergency, call your local police station or their dispatch directly instead of using the emergency line. Sometimes, a simple tip can stop crimes from impacting a neighborhood.
7. Consider a Ranch-Style Home
Stairs are great for a workout, but they are a huge area of concern when it comes to accidents. People fall down the stairs every single year across all ages. However, as an older woman, you are more likely to experience negative repercussions if you fall. As we age, our bones can get more brittle, and our risk of injury grows.
Many independent seniors make the decision to relocate to ranch-style homes for this reason. You can enjoy all the comforts of home without the risk of navigating the stairs.
8. Know the Risks Associated With Floors and Footwear
When it comes to accidents, stairs are not the only risk. In fact, floors and footwear are often a much bigger concern. Both of these factors can lead to a fall if you are not careful. Fortunately, you can limit this risk by wearing footwear that offers traction and by reducing slide on floors with rugs or new materials. Just remember, thick rugs can also be a tripping hazard, so choose wisely.
9. Don’t Push it With Home Repairs or Chores
When you’re living alone as an older woman, your home often feels like a solo project. Chores and repairs may fall to you, but it is always best to be realistic when tackling these tasks. If you feel that any chores or home repairs are placing you at risk, it may be best to ask for help.
10. Always Stay Connected
If you’re looking for the best way to stay safe when living alone as an older woman, it is important to know that connection is key. When you are in regular contact with loved ones, you make sure that someone knows if something goes wrong. Calls, texts, and even check-in services can help you to stay connected.
Your safety plan isn’t about having someone there with you when something goes wrong. It is about making sure someone notices if something happens and you can’t be reached.
Get the Help You Need With CheckinBee
There are many wonderful benefits to living alone as an older woman, from creating your ideal space to getting to know the amazing person you have turned out to be. However, even the most independent senior women need to focus on their personal safety a little each day.
At CheckinBee, we offer a simple check-in service that allows you to stay connected with up to five loved ones every day. With a tap of your finger, you can keep loved ones in the loop and let them know you’re thriving. More importantly, if you don’t check in, your contacts will be notified immediately to get you the help you need!
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