As we age, mobility and health issues can affect daily routines and independence. It’s natural to want to step in when a loved one faces challenges with tasks they once managed easily. However, instead of taking over completely, finding a balance that offers support while still encouraging independence is key. 

Maintaining independence offers both psychological and physical benefits.

• Boosts confidence and self-worth, empowering people to continue making informed decisions and engage in activities they enjoy.
• Helps combat social isolation and loneliness. Joining social groups or staying connected with family and friends fosters relationships and enhances overall quality of life.

• When people can perform tasks on their own, they are more likely to stay active, which helps maintain overall health, balance, and strength.
• Maintaining independence reduces feelings of being a burden on loved ones, contributing to a more positive sense of self.

Chris Sinclair, Ryman's Community Liaison Leader, shares helpful tips for families and caregivers on how to promote independence and support overall wellbeing.

Making choices about daily life is an important part of maintaining independence. Whether it's choosing what to wear, what to eat, or how to spend the day, being involved in these decisions helps keep a sense of control and autonomy. Providing options and respecting people’s preferences boosts confidence and supports self-direction.  

Staying active through regular exercise and activities that improve balance, flexibility, and strength is key for overall health. These activities not only strengthen the heart and improve blood pressure but also lower the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and dementia. 

Engaging in everyday tasks such as gardening, walking the dog, or doing housework contributes to physical fitness and helps people stay active and self-sufficient. Additionally, incorporating exercises like yoga and stretching improves mobility, making it easier to perform daily activities. 

Creating a safe space for these activities helps prevent falls or injuries. For a variety of exercises that can be done at home, check out Ryman’s Triple A program here.

A safe living environment is important and home adjustments can make a big difference.

The most common home adjustments are:

• Fitting handrails or shower rails
• Installing ramps or a lift
• Widening doorways
• Converting bathrooms to a wet room
• Lowering the kitchen bench

These modifications help reduce the risk of accidents and make daily tasks more manageable. Your loved one may be eligible for government assistance to help with household adaptations. More information is available on the New Zealand Government website under home modifications.

Social interaction is essential for mental and emotional health. Engaging in hobbies, community events and family gatherings is a great way to stay independent.

Many council websites offer helpful community resources such as:

• Activities for older people – Auckland
• Clubs and activities for older adults – Christchurch

• Senior citizen communities – Wellington

Keeping the mind active is just as important as maintaining physical health. Embracing activities that promote cognitive growth, like playing a musical instrument or learning a new language are great for your brain.

Regular mental exercises can help preserve cognitive function and slow decline. For more insights, The Selwyn Foundation provides valuable research on cognitive reserve, and Alzheimer’s New Zealand offers helpful tips on exercises to support both brain and body health.

Technology can be a powerful way to stay connected. Devices like hearing aids, walkers, and smart home gadgets can assist with daily tasks, improving safety and making life easier. Alzheimer’s New Zealand has excellent resources on using assistive technology and what’s available.

Additionally, many find personal alarm systems helpful, offering peace of mind for both the user and their loved ones.

A balanced diet plays a big role in maintaining health and wellbeing. Providing access to easy-to-prepare, nutritious meals is a great way to support physical health, and it can be an enjoyable activity to share. If you're looking for something that's both brain-boosting and delicious, give this Pistachio-Crusted Salmon recipe a try.

Never underestimate the power of encouragement and positive reinforcement. Take time to listen to your loved one's concerns, offer reassurance when needed, and celebrate successes, no matter how small. Emotional support can go a long way in boosting confidence and wellbeing.

Staying active and connected is easier with reliable transportation. Offering a ride, coordinating with friends, or helping loved ones navigate public transport safely can all be helpful options.

If regular medical appointments are needed, financial assistance may be available to cover travel costs. For more details, Seniorline transport offers information on services and support for those with high travel expenses due to frequent or long-distance appointments.

By establishing a daily routine that incorporates physical, mental, and social activities, individuals can enjoy a range of benefits:

Improves daily habits

• Helps maintain physical health by promoting consistent mealtimes, self-care, and exercise.
• Regularity in these activities increases the likelihood of following through with healthy habits like proper nutrition and physical activity.

Improves sleep patterns

• A steady sleep routine promotes better sleep quality and reduces insomnia risks.
• A structured bedtime routine signals to your body when it's time to wind down, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Reduces stress

• A routine provides stability and comfort, especially during life transitions or health challenges.
• It creates a dependable rhythm, helping manage stress by offering a predictable structure to fall back on during overwhelming times.

Increases activity

• Incorporating scheduled activities, like social events or hobbies, encourages people to stay active.
• Committing to specific plans, like a weekly class or coffee with a friend, boosts both physical and cognitive wellbeing.

Establishes safety and security

• Routines foster a sense of control, reducing anxiety and providing comfort, especially for those with dementia.
• Repetition helps reduce surprises, contributing to feelings of safety and stability.

Knowledge can empower people to take control of their health. If your loved one has health conditions or takes medications, consider whether they have the right information to make informed decisions and keep on top of their medication schedule. 

Tools like pill organisers or health apps can simplify managing medications and health concerns. Gaining insight helps to boost confidence and support wellbeing.

Finally, encourage volunteering and community involvement. These activities offer a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether it’s helping at a local charity, mentoring others, taking on part-time work or simply participating in community events, staying involved can be incredibly rewarding.

By incorporating these tips into daily life, caregivers and families can help loved ones enjoy a fulfilling, independent life as they age.

At Ryman villages, residents enjoy the privacy of their own homes and living spaces, while benefiting from communal areas, activities and state-of-the-art facilities that enrich their daily lives. 

We offer a variety of daily activities that cater to different interests and abilities. Whether it’s fitness classes to boost strength and flexibility, arts and crafts to stimulate the mind, or outings and events that inspire exploration and foster connections, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Regular exercise classes

The Ryman Triple A (Ageless, Active, Aware) classes enhance both physical health and mental wellbeing. These optional classes are designed for a range of abilities and allow residents to choose different levels of participation. In addition to Triple A, many villages offer a variety of movement-based activities such as yoga, tai chi, Zumba, and line-dancing.

These programs not only help residents stay active but also foster a sense of achievement, and community. Residents often find that they are more active since moving into the village, and many report improvements in strength, balance, and mobility. This helps prevent falls and supports their independence.

Delicious meals

Delicious is Ryman's bespoke seasonal menu that is prepared on-site using fresh ingredients. By offering a variety of healthy, flavourful options, we empower people to make their own meal choices, which enhances their sense of autonomy. These balanced meals not only cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs but also contribute to better health and overall wellbeing.

Living independently doesn’t mean living in isolation. Social interaction is key to mental and emotional health, and Ryman villages are designed to encourage connection and camaraderie.

Residents often speak of the close-knit community feel and the various opportunities to connect with others such as:  

• Weekly Happy Hour
• Morning and afternoon tea gatherings
• Group outings to local attractions
• Village events
• Arts and crafts sessions
• Movie screening
• Annual Children’s Day celebration

These events are more than just activities - they’re opportunities to build lasting relationships.

Our villages offer a variety of amenities that help residents stay active and healthy, including:

• Swimming pools and spas
• All-weather bowling greens
• Activity rooms with pool tables
• Gymnasiums
• Workshops
• Libraries
• Gardens

Every village is designed with safety and accessibility in mind with the safety features listed below to ensure residents can move around freely and confidently.

• Handrails
• Lifts
• Emergency call systems
• Sprinkler systems
• Alarms
• Walk-in-showers
• Ramps

The care centres at Ryman are thoughtfully designed to foster familiarity and comfort. Living spaces feature carefully chosen colours and layouts that promote independence in daily routines. Residents enjoy secure, peaceful outdoor areas that remind them of a home garden, and clear signage and cues help to assist with memory and orientation.

Caregivers encourage residents to make their own decisions, whether it's choosing what to wear or engaging in activities that spark their interest.

Technology plays a key role in enhancing independence at Ryman. Tools like the Never Alone System (NAS) and the myRyman app help support residents' autonomy, offering assistance while empowering them to stay connected and in control.

Never Alone System (NAS)

The NAS is a wireless motion sensor installed in independent townhouses and apartments, typically in frequently used areas like the lounge. If no movement is detected for 24 hours, it alerts village staff. Not only does this system provide reassurance to the residents and their families, but it allows them to live independently without the need for regular check-ins, knowing help will be alerted if needed.

myRyman App

The myRyman app empowers residents to maintain their independence by keeping them connected and informed about village life. With the app, residents can easily check daily activities, events, and important updates, giving them more control over their schedules and choices.

By putting all the information at their fingertips, the app enhances autonomy, helping residents to stay engaged and make informed decisions about their day.

Looking ahead, the app's potential is expanding to help residents manage their health more effectively as well. 

Ryman offers resources for residents, families, and caregivers, including access to healthcare professionals, wellness programs, and personalised care plans. 

If you would like to learn more about the support Ryman provides, come and have a chat to our friendly staff or reach out to us and we will be in touch.

External Resources and Support Groups

Ryman connects residents and their families with support from external groups and online communities in New Zealand, offering valuable advice and resources.

Here are some helpful online resources for families to better understand the ageing process and how to promote independence in the elderly.

Age Concern New Zealand is a charity dedicated to promoting wellbeing and respect for people over 65, offering support services, expert advice, and social activities.

Greypower is an advocacy organisation dedicated to helping older adults enjoy a rewarding, safe and sustainable quality of life.

Office For Seniors is an advocacy group that works to raise awareness of issues facing older adults, promoting age-inclusive policies and practices.

Independence is more than just a goal at Ryman; it’s a way of life. Our commitment to fostering independence is woven into everything we do, from thoughtfully designed amenities to innovative programs and technology.

To learn more about our villages and what we offer, visit us for a chat or schedule a tour.

Discover our vibrant communities and the innovative solutions we have in place to support a fulfilling, independent life.