How to reclaim your independence

To reclaim your independence is to keep the abilities and support you need to do things for yourself. It also means having the confidence and control to make decisions about your health.

How independent you are can be shown by your ability to:

• Socialise with friends or relatives, including grandchildren
• Use a telephone or mobile phone
• Use private or public transport
• Handle your bills and finances
• Prepare meals
• Manage your self-care
• Shop for necessities
• Take your medications correctly
• Keep active

Why is it important to be independent?

As you get older, it's normal for your abilities to change. This may lead to difficulties with moving around (mobility) and managing health conditions. It could also make it harder to:

• Look after your mental health
• Stay socially connected
• Stay on top of your finances

Staying independent can help protect against these challenges and contribute to:

• Better physical and mental health
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Improved sense of purpose and quality of life

Being yourself

Being able to make choices and decisions throughout the day has a big impact on how you feel about yourself. When you no longer feel in control of your decisions or able to express yourself, it can lead to:

• Depression
• Anger
• Anxiety 

Your health and happiness

Maintaining your strength, balance, and mobility helps you stay independent by reducing your risk of:

• Falls
• Injury
• Hospital stays

Being independent also helps you maintain your physical health. When you move and do things for yourself, you help keep your body strong.

Your sense of purpose

When you find it harder to move around or do everyday activities, it can make it harder to stay connected and lead to feelings of hopelessness. Being independent lets you choose when and how you connect with others, and taking part in social activities that matter to you can boost your:

• Mood
• Wellbeing
• Sense of purpose

How can I reclaim my independence?

Reimagine ageing

Change your perspective! Getting older is not without its challenges, but it doesn't have to be a negative experience.

There are plenty of products, supports, and initiatives to help you keep moving, stay connected, and live life on your terms.

Stay mentally active

It's important to keep your mind active. An active mind is a healthy mind - making strong the thinking and memory skills needed to do things for yourself. Engaging in activities you enjoy helps keep your mind active while lifting your mood.

So, if you have any hobbies - keep doing them. If you're finding it hard to continue, let your family or service provider know. They can help you figure out how to stay involved in ways that work for you.

Maintain social connections

Maintaining old friendships and building new ones has many benefits. It can help you:

• Feel less lonely
• Have a stronger sense of belonging
• Feel better in mind, mood, and body

Exercise

Older people are advised to do at least 30 minutes of moderate‑intensity exercise most days. This means exercise that raises your heart rate and breathing, but you can still talk while doing it.

Being active and staying healthy support each other. The more you move, the easier it is to keep moving, giving you the confidence and freedom to do things by yourself.

Move around freely

Being able to travel to the places, events, and activities you want to go is important for:

• Staying connected
• Maintaining a sense of purpose
• Remaining independent

There are many transport options to help you get around. A friend, family member, support worker, or service provider could take you where you need to go. You could also take public transport, or the free community buses offered by some organisations and local councils.

Ask for help

If everyday activities are becoming harder and you need some help, support is available. You can use assistive products or in‑home services based on your needs. Head to the My Aged Care website for more information.

Using assistive products

Assistive products are useful tools designed to make everyday tasks easier. They can help you keep doing the things you love and stay independent for longer.

There are thousands of products that can make a difference in all areas of your life. Here are some low‑cost options to check out: 

Low-risk assistive products

• Hand‑held grabbers: These help you reach for and pick up items, such as a newspaper on the front lawn
• Lever handles: These let you turn on taps and open doors without needing to grip and twist
• Helpful kitchen gadgets: These include can and jar openers, long‑handled dustpans, and electric knives

Personal care products 

• Non‑slip shower mats: These can help reduce your risk of slipping
• Long‑handled bath sponges: These are helpful if you have trouble reaching your back
• Dressing aids: These include zipper pulls and button hooks and long‑handled shoehorns

Mobility assistive products 

If you have trouble moving around, consider mobility assistive products. They can reduce pain and stress in joints and reduce the risk of falling:

• Walking canes
• Orthotic devices
• Wheelchairs
• Walkers and wheeled walkers

Please note, the above aids should only be selected and used under professional advice. Consult an allied health professional to find the best walking aid for your needs.

Communication assistive products

• Hearing aids, television headsets, telephone amplifiers: These help you hear sounds more clearly
• Voice command and speech‑generating devices: These help you express your needs when writing or speaking is hard
• Pendant alarms: These help you call for help at the press of a button

If you have trouble with your vision or using your hands, consider devices with:

• Large text screens
• Large buttons
• Simple navigation systems

Where can I get help to reclaim my independence?

No two people are the same, so the information in this article may not be suitable for everyone. To learn more about strategies and supports that can help you at home and out and about, contact:

• Your healthcare professional
• An allied health professional, such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or exercise physiologist
• My Aged Care
• A LiveUp Navigator - get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

References

Australian Government Department of Health. (2021, May). Physical and exercise guidelines for older Australians. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-older-australians-65-years-and-over 

Ending Loneliness Together. (2024). Resources: Tipsheets. https://endingloneliness.com.au/resources/ 

Lindeman, K., Koivunen, K., Rantalainen, T., Rantakokko, M., Portegijs, E., Rantanen, T., & Karavirta, L. (2024). Reciprocal associations between physical activity, walking performance, and autonomy in outdoor mobility among older adults: A 4‑year follow‑up. Journal of Aging and Health, 37(9), 606–616. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643241282918

National Institute on Aging. (2019, April 23). Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Cognitive health and older adults.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Participating in activities you enjoy as you age.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-you-enjoy-you-age

Puyané, M., Chabrera, C., Camón, E., & Cabrera, E. (2025). Uncovering the impact of loneliness in ageing populations: A comprehensive scoping review. BMC Geriatrics, 25(1), Article 244. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-05846-4

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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