Growing older doesn’t mean giving up everyday activities and the things you love. Lifestyle choices you make today can help you enjoy a fulfilling and independent life for longer.
Most of us will start to notice that we can’t do all the things we used to by the time we turn 65. However, research shows that if you work at maintaining ability as you age, it can help support your health and wellbeing.
Understanding ageing – the LifeCurve™
Scientists have researched and tracked how we decline with age. Research suggests the largest influence in age-related decline is not genetics, but lifestyle choices. Older people who continue doing things for themselves tend to remain independent longer and live better.
The LifeCurve highlights 15 activities of daily living that can become harder to do as our bodies grow older.
Everyone's life curve is different depending on the choices they make. Staying on the optimum life curve is your best chance of living independently for longer without the need for long-term care.
LifeCurve was developed by ADL Research and Newcastle University's Institute for Ageing (UK), one of the global leaders in ageing research.
How can I stay active and independent?
You may experience some health and mobility challenges as you age. But there are things you can do to keep these challenges at bay, where possible.
Keeping mobile, staying connected, and making changes around your home are all ways to support your health and wellbeing.
Maintaining an active life
Staying active can help you continue doing the things you enjoy and reduce your risk of illness or injury as you get older. Some things you can do now to support your health and wellbeing into the future are:
Making your home safer and more accessible
Making your home safer and more accessible can help you stay safe at home longer. For example, ensuring high traffic areas and staircases are decluttered, well lit, and free of trip hazards.
Useful resources
The LifeCurve tool
LifeCurve is available as an app-based toolkit developed to help keep you happier and healthier for longer.
The tool helps you by:
- asking questions related to common activities you may do each day such as showering, dressing, cooking, cleaning, or shopping
- suggesting tasks you can do to improve your abilities and regain independence
- tracking your abilities and helps you compare them with other users of a similar age.
You can create a free online account to track your progress.
Learn more about LifeCurve.
Healthy ageing with LiveUp
LiveUp is a national platform that can empower you to make simple changes that help you age healthily and stay independent for longer.
To find out how it can help you, visit the LiveUp website and take the free, confidential quiz for personalised suggestions. It only takes five minutes to complete.
Answer a few quick questions and you will receive activities, products, and tips tailored to you. There are practical suggestions for movement, social, and mental wellbeing activities that are happening in your area or online. You don’t have to provide any personal information to make the most of the tailored information.