--- title: Celebrating National Senior Independence Month description: In honor of National Senior Independence Month, we look at the ways seniors can maintain their independence. image: https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/_P5C4308%20copy.jpg --- [![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/tgg-bug.svg)](https://thegoodmangroup.com) - [Who We Are](http://thegoodmangroup.com/who-we-are/) - [What We Manage](http://thegoodmangroup.com/what-we-manage/) - [What We Develop](https://thegoodmangroup.com/what-we-develop/) - [How We Innovate](https://thegoodmangroup.com/how-we-innovate/) - [Connect With Us](https://thegoodmangroup.com/connect-with-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/) # moments matter A Senior Living Resource Blog from The Goodman Group ## Celebrating National Senior Independence Month Posted by [The Goodman Group](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/author/the-goodman-group) on February 21, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Senior Independence](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-569652-edited.jpg?width=640&name=undefined-569652-edited.jpg "Senior Independence") From a young age, we learn about the value of accomplishing tasks independently. February is National Senior Independence Month - the perfect time to celebrate the way you live life. Here are some ideas on how to maintain independence as we age. # Safety First A key to maintaining independent living at any age is by taking steps to ensure one’s safety. For seniors in particular, it’s a matter of becoming more aware of potential hazards that may not have been a problem before. It may be necessary to install sturdy handrails in stairways as well as grab bars in the bathroom, and making sure walkways — indoors and out — are clear of clutter or ice and snow. Some other things to consider are: - Storing kitchen dishes and food on lower shelves to avoid over-reaching or using a step stool to reach them. - Adding lighting to hallways, installing night lights, and using remote-controlled lighting for safer movement at night. - Using slip-free backing for rugs, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. - Installing slip-free shower and tub mats. - If needed, keeping assistive tools like canes and walkers readily available. # Functional Fitness [![fall prevention](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2284858/6376de99-0862-475d-854d-1d45c60a4fdb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2284858/6376de99-0862-475d-854d-1d45c60a4fdb)Exercise of almost any sort and intensity helps to maintain fitness.[Functional fitness](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/how-functional-fitness-works-to-maintain-independent-living-skills), in particular, targets building and maintaining strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. All of these are important to help[guard against falls](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/preventing-falls-4-ways-to-support-your-loved-ones-safety) and increase the ease of completing daily tasks. If increasing fitness is a goal, it’s easy to get started with simple walking. But there are lots of other options, including: - Joining classes specially designed for seniors at a local gym or community center. - Exercising with a friend or group of friends. Consider joining a walking club. - Investing in a few personal training sessions to engage in workouts customized for your personal needs. For more information on exercises for seniors, safety tips, and ideas for specific activities, visit the[National Institutes of Health (NIH) website](https://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseandphysicalactivityexercisestotry/faq/faqlist.html#a1). # Social Engagement Maintaining independence as we age isn’t just about physical strength or our physical surroundings. It’s also about our emotional and[spiritual well-being](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/spiritual-well-being-the-importance-of-living-a-purposeful-life-video). Studies have shown that having[social connections can be just as effective](http://www.ascseniorcare.com/benefits-of-being-social/) as physical exercise in improving your mood, instilling a sense of life purpose, and contributing to a longer lifespan. 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