Have you heard about “life hacks”? This term refers to a popular trend where people share how simple changes in their lives make day-to-day living easier and more efficient.
We know that as we get older, everyday activities become more of a struggle due to reduced mobility, health problems and deteriorating memory. Below, we have 20 life hacks for older people that could make your life (or the lives of your older relatives) that little bit easier and safer.
20 Life Hacks for Older People
1. Paint a dot on your keys with nail varnish to help remind you which one is for which door – red for front, blue for garage etc. Instead of trying 10 different keys to get into the house, you will know exactly which one to use. Of course, you can still store your keys in a Key Safe.
2. Use a chair whenever you can! Add a chair with sturdy armrests to your bathroom so that you can brush your teeth and wash your face comfortably with no risk of losing balance. You could also add a tall stool with arms to your kitchen so that you can stay seated whilst washing up or prepping dinner.
3. Need to break in new shoes? Pop on a thick pair of socks, slip on the shoes and go over the tight areas with a hairdryer for five minutes.
4. Wearing a pair of rubber gloves will make opening tough jars a lot easier.
5. If you have a phone or iPad, set up calendar reminders so that your never forget to take your medicine or make that important phone call.
6. Request that your pharmacist not use childproof caps on your medicine as these can be difficult to remove if you have weaker hands or suffer from arthritis. However, if you do this, remember to keep them well out of the way of any children.
7. If you’re a keen traveller, tie a small piece of brightly-coloured fabric to your suitcases. This will help you to identify your cases at the airport.
8. If you have a mobile phone, take a picture of your list of medications (plus doses and times you take them) in case you need to quickly consult them or show them to a doctor. Alternatively, keep a paper list in your wallet or purse.
9. Attach a key ring to zips to make them easier to grasp.
10. Use a skirt/trouser clip hanger as a recipe holder. Hang the hanger from a cupboard handle, clip your recipe/recipe book into place and you’re ready to cook!
11. Trouble with your vision? Look out for the large print versions of your favourite books or board games.
12. Use pegs to keep food bags closed and the contents fresh.
13. Struggle to hear your alarm clock in the morning? Set a smartphone alarm and pop it in a glass.
14. If your fed up of salad going brown in the fridge, pop a paper towel on top of the salad in the bowl and cover with clingfilm.
15. Get a Lifeline Alarm. Our system helps older people to remain safe and independent in their own homes, confident in the knowledge that if they have a fall or feel unwell, help can be called at the push of a button.
16. Keep a large bottle of water with hours marked down the side so that you can remind yourself to hydrate yourself throughout the day.
17. Stick all of your remote controls to your coffee table or the side of your chair using Velcro so you don’t have to spend lots of time looking around and getting up and down. You could do this with other useful items such as reading glasses.
18. Do something unusual when locking the door before going out, this way you’ll definitely remember locking the door!
19. Out of AA batteries? Use smaller ones and fill the gap with tin foil.
20. Set up Direct Debits for all of your bills. This will save time and energy every month and will help you avoid any ‘late fees’. Just remember to keep an eye on your bank statement to ensure that you are being billed the correct amount.
You can find loads more general life hacks across the web! Pinterest offers a huge amount people have submitted.
Personal Alarm Information
For more information about our life-saving personal alarm service, please get in touch with our friendly team on 1 800 937543. Alternatively, complete our contact us form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 5th May 2022 to reflect current information.