I know my mum is getting older, but I want her to keep doing the things she loves. How can I help her stay independent and healthy for longer?
It’s completely understandable that you want your mum to stay active, happy, and independent for as long as possible. Growing older doesn’t mean giving up on the things she loves — in fact, there are many ways to support her to live a fulfilling life.
The good news is that there are resources designed specifically to help older people stay independent and age well. Here are a couple of tools that can empower your mum to take charge of her health and wellbeing:
1. LiveUp
What It Is:
LiveUp is a national platform that offers practical suggestions to help your mum age healthily and stay independent. It focuses on simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in her daily life.
How It Helps:
- She can take the OpenUp Quiz on the LiveUp website (it only takes five minutes!).
- Based on her answers, LiveUp will suggest activities and ideas to support her physical, social, and mental wellbeing.
- These suggestions might include local community events, online resources, or exercises tailored to her needs.
Bonus: The quiz doesn’t require any personal information, making it quick and easy to use.
[Take the OpenUp Quiz on the LiveUp website.]
2. LifeCurve™
What It Is:
LifeCurve is an online tool that helps your mum identify areas where she might be struggling with daily activities, like dressing, cooking, or cleaning.
How It Helps:
- By answering a few questions about everyday tasks, LifeCurve can pinpoint where she may need support.
- It offers practical tips and tasks to help her improve these abilities and maintain her independence.
- LifeCurve lets her track her progress over time and even compare her abilities with others of a similar age.
Bonus: It’s free to create an account and keep track of her journey.
[Take the LifeCurve Assessment.]
Why Healthy Ageing Matters
Supporting your mum to stay active and engaged can:
- Delay the need for aged care services.
- Improve her quality of life and help her stay happy and fulfilled.
- Give her a sense of purpose, independence, and confidence.
Encourage her to try these tools and explore small changes she can make today, like joining a community group, trying a new hobby, or using assistive devices at home. These steps can help her stay independent and empowered as she ages.
Remember, it’s not just about living longer — it’s about living well. You’re doing an amazing job by being there for her. If you need more support or guidance, don’t hesitate to ask.
