How Older Adults Can Live Well When Living Alone

 

Living alone in later life can be a big change, whether it’s due to bereavement, divorce or children moving away. But living alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely or having a worse quality of life.

 

 

This guide is here to give you practical steps not just to cope with living alone, but to become truly comfortable and thrive in your retirement.

 

Create a Home Environment That Supports Your Wellbeing

 

Your environment has a direct impact on how you feel day to day, so here are some changes you can make to feel happier at home.

 

Let the light in

 

Natural sunlight doesn’t just brighten your home, it brightens your mood too. Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight helps your body produce serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone which is not only linked to your mood but also affects things like sleep, digestion, appetite and even wound healing.

 

Sunlight has also been shown to directly lower your blood pressure, support bone health, improve muscle strength and even boost your immune system.

 

Turn your home into a safe haven

 

Ask family or friends for help with re-arranging your furniture to make your living spaces not only safer but also more spacious.

 

Simple changes can make a big difference like adding grab rails in the bathroom and at the front and back doors, using non-slip mats and switching to raised chairs and toilet seats.

 

Consider investing in a personal alarm too so you can have some added peace of mind as well, as immediate access to 24/7 help if you need it – like the ones available from us at HelpAlert.

Bring some greenery indoors

 

Research has shown that green is one of the most calming colours in nature, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

 

Caring for plants can give you a sense of purpose, pride and accomplishment, especially as you watch them grow and thrive under your care.

 

If you’re new to keeping plants, start with easy-to-manage options like peace lilies, snake plants or spider plants which are all low-maintenance and thrive indoors.

 

 

 

 

Make your house feel like home

 

Display photos from holidays, Christmases or weddings along with treasured souvenirs and well-loved books. Fill your space with the things that reflect who you are and what brings you joy.

 

Establish a Daily Routine

 

Routines can bring structure and make the day feel more manageable. When you live alone and have more free time on your hands, it’s easy for time to blur, but a bit of planning can go a long way.

 

Start the day with purpose

 

Have a morning ritual that grounds you, whether it’s journaling, meditation, reading your local paper or watering the plants. Experiment with what works for you and helps you feel your best.

 

Avoid reaching for your phone first thing. Science shows that your brain is more impressionable just after waking, making you more vulnerable to stress or negativity.

 

Build gentle structure into your day

 

Set regular times for meals, phone calls or short walks. These anchor points can help break up your day and give you something purposeful to look forward to.

 

Stay Connected in a Way That Works for You

 

Social contact is crucial but living alone means that you have to be more intentional about creating it. You don’t have to be constantly busy, but small, regular interactions matter.

 

• Use technology like WhatsApp or FaceTime to stay in touch with loved ones, especially if they live far away
• Try befriending schemes offered by charities who can match you to someone for regular phone calls or in-person visits from volunteers
• Visit your local community centre or library to see what activities they’re running for seniors

 

Finding Fulfilment Through Hobbies and Learning

 

Living alone gives you more freedom to spend your time exactly how you want. Whether you want to pick up an old interest or try something new, hobbies and learning can be very meaningful and bring a new sense of joy.

 

Reconnect with past passions

 

Did you once love painting, baking or fixing things? Give it another go. You don’t have to be perfect, simply enjoy the process.

 

Join a local group or class

 

From choirs and yoga to photography and bird-watching, many communities offer welcoming, low-cost groups where you can learn, move and build friendships.

 

Learn from home

 

There are lots of free and accredited online courses to choose from covering everything from languages and technology to sciences and the arts.

 

Or if you’re after something more relaxed, YouTube is full of easy-to-follow tutorials on just about any topic that interests you.

 

 

 

Keep Moving

 

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind – it doesn’t have to be intense. Regular movement helps to maintain strength, balance and flexibility, making you feel much better in yourself while also reducing the risk of falls.

 

Exercise also boosts your mood by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

 

Support From HelpAlert

 

Living alone doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone. HelpAlert’s personal alarm service offers instant support with features like automatic fall detection, GPS tracking and a 24/7 UK-based response team.

 

Not sure if it’s right for you? Try our free 14-day trial – no contracts, no pressure, just a small postage fee to cover delivery.

 

If you’d like to find out more, you can explore our website or call a member of our friendly team on 01273 055049.