Resources: Blog
Aging in place with confidence
How balance, mobility, and a safe home can help you stay independent
By Alexandra Ristow, MD, Lead Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) at Patina
My patients often tell me that staying in their own homes as they age is one of their biggest goals. I understand why – many people have worked for years or even decades to create a comfortable home and build a community of family and friends. Your Patina care team is here to help you achieve that goal by working with you to stay healthy, safe, and independent.
There are several important steps to successfully age in place: setting goals, staying active, making your home safe, and building a support system. Let’s take a closer look at how these simple steps can make a big difference to aging in place.
Set goals that are important to you
One of my favorite parts about my job as a Patina primary care practitioner (PCP) is helping patients meet their goals. Our approach – listening to patients and taking the lead from them – is foundational to how we do this. If aging in place is important to you, be sure to let your care team know. When we understand what matters most to you, we can tailor your care and offer helpful resources to support your goals. We’re here to work with you and help make your goals achievable.
Breaking down a big goal like “aging in place” into smaller steps can help you get started. For example, improving your balance and mobility can be as simple as joining an online balance class and committing to 10 minutes of practice, three days a week. If mobility is limited, chair exercises can be a safe and effective option. These low-impact exercises allow you to build strength and improve flexibility without putting undue stress on your joints. Even 10 minutes of movement a day can have long-term benefits!
The key is to stay consistent and choose activities you enjoy, so you’re more likely to stick with them. Starting small and building from there makes it easier to create healthy habits that will help you stay independent longer.
Keep your mind and body strong
To age in place safely, it’s important to stay physically active. Strong muscles and flexible joints help you keep your balance, making it easier to move around confidently and avoid falls. Whether it’s taking a daily walk, doing gentle stretching, or using light weights to do some strength training, every bit of activity helps.
Exercise is just one part of the equation. Your brain health matters, too! Eating a brain-healthy diet, staying socially connected, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities all contribute to staying sharp. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation in the brain, which is linked to cognitive decline. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, are particularly beneficial for brain health. As always, be sure to consult with your care team before making any big changes in your diet and exercise regimen.
Social interaction is another key element. Whether it's regular phone calls with family, meeting friends for coffee, or participating in group activities, staying socially engaged helps reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline. Socializing stimulates the brain, keeps it active, and improves your emotional well-being.
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills can also help keep your brain sharp. These activities challenge your brain to form new connections and adapt, which improves memory and cognitive function. You don’t have to take on something complicated – even simple games or learning a new hobby can make a significant difference.
Make your home work for you
A safe home is key to aging in place. Making small, thoughtful changes around the house can reduce the risk of accidents and help you stay independent.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to minimize safety hazards is to keep your home clutter-free. Clear hallways and rooms of obstacles like loose rugs, electrical cords, and furniture that could block your path or cause trips and falls. Don’t leave boxes or other objects on the floor where they might be in your way. Good lighting is also important, especially in areas like staircases, hallways, and bathrooms. Installing brighter bulbs or night lights can help you see clearly, reducing the risk of missteps.
The bathroom is an especially high-risk area for falls. Adding grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub provides extra support, making it easier to get up or steady yourself. Non-slip mats in the shower and on bathroom floors also help prevent accidents. If stepping into the tub is challenging, consider installing a walk-in shower or using a shower chair for added safety.
Securing loose rugs with non-slip backing or tape is another simple fix that can prevent accidents. If stairs are part of your home, handrails on both sides can offer extra support, and you might consider adding stair treads or anti-slip strips to improve traction. These adjustments not only make your home safer — they can help give you the confidence to move around freely without worrying about potential hazards.
Need help in these areas? Patina Nurse Champions can visit to help you spot areas in your home that might need adjustments. Your Patina Health Champion can also connect you with community resources that offer assistance for making these home improvements, often at a discounted rate or even at no charge. These changes help ensure your home is set up to support your independence.
Build a strong support system
It’s important to have people you can count on as you age. Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s family, friends, neighbors, or members of your religious or community groups, having a support network in place makes a big difference. There are also professional caregivers available if you need extra assistance with things like household tasks, personal care, or transportation. Your Patina Health Champion can help you coordinate these as well, taking on the legwork so that you have time to focus on things you love.
If you’re not sure where to start, your Patina care team can help you explore your options and connect you with resources that make staying in your home easier. Building a support system gives you the confidence to live independently, knowing that help is available if and when you need it.
Let Patina help you age in place
At Patina, we’re here to support your goal of aging in place. Whether it’s staying active, making your home safer, or connecting you with helpful resources, we’re with you every step of the way. By focusing on balance, mobility, home safety, and building a strong support system, you can enjoy more healthy, independent days in the comfort of your own home for years to come.
Tell us what’s important to you, and we’ll work together to create a plan that helps you reach your goals. With the right approach, you’ll be able to live well and thrive in your current residence – exactly where you want to be.
Dr. Alexandra Ristow is the lead primary care practitioner (PCP) at Patina, where she oversees all patient care at a high level, coordinates with specialists and hospital teams when needed, and provides added support for the entire Patina care team. Dr. Alex earned her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine, and completed her internal medicine residency at the University of California, San Francisco.