Stay in good health:
One of the biggest risks for seniors who live alone is injury. If a senior slips and falls and there is nobody around to help, a simple concussion could quickly become life-threatening. Because of this, it’s essential for seniors who live alone to stay as healthy as possible. Things like exercise, a healthy diet, an active social life, and drinking plenty of water drastically cut down on the health risks that face solitary seniors, and make it much easier for seniors to remain safe and happy in their own homes.
Build a close circle of friends:
Senior isolation is a big problem, and it’s one of the single most dangerous things for seniors who live alone. While living alone doesn’t always mean being lonely, the two things go hand-in-hand for many seniors, and it’s a potentially life-threatening mixture of things.
It’s clear that one of the primary things seniors living alone can do to stay safe and healthy is to maintain an active social life. Seeing friends on a regular basis is a fantastic way to boost health and well being and to develop a support system so that, if anything does go wrong, the senior has people to call on.
Keep plenty of medication on hand:
If a senior who lives alone runs out of medication, it can be a devastating situation. Because of this, specialists recommend that the senior keep extra medication on hand so that running out prematurely doesn’t lead to a disastrous event. In addition to preventing frantic trips to the pharmacy, this approach also makes it easier to stay on track in the event that a senior misplaces his or her medication.
Keep the home in good repair:
A home that features preventable hazards like exposed cords or slippery stairs is dangerous for seniors who live alone. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reports that 1.6 million seniors go to the emergency room as the result of falls each year. With this in mind, keep the home in good repair to prevent dangerous hazards that could harm a senior.
Lock doors and windows:
When a senior lives alone, the risk of theft and burglary is very real. Because of this, it’s wise for seniors to be smart about home security. This means locking doors and windows and ensuring that the entire house is locked up when nobody is home. In addition to preventing break-ins, this step also helps ensure that the senior’s safety stays intact.
Install a peephole in the door:
Seniors are often targeted by scammers and thieves. Because of this, it’s smart for all seniors to install peepholes in their doors so that they can keep tabs on who is knocking before they decide to open the door. While this is a simple security tip, it’s one that can go a long way toward ensuring the senior’s safety and security for years to come.
Develop a list of emergency contacts:
Emergency contacts are critical for any senior who lives alone. To ensure safety and proper care in the event of an accident or injury, all seniors should develop a list of emergency contacts and keep it by the phone. This list should include the senior’s medical professionals, family members, and friends.
Install handholds and bars in the bathroom:
The bathroom is a very dangerous place for seniors who live alone. Thanks to water and slippery floors, this is one of the highest-risk places for a fall. Because of this, seniors should consider installing handholds and bars in the bathroom (around the shower and toilet) to make falls less likely.

