Declaring a state of independence!
TODAY is Independence Day in the United States. And, rather bizarrely, the Danes also celebrate the American milestone with fireworks in a Jutland park, as they have done for more than a century. But today it’s seen mainly an excuse for ‘a nice day out’.
The Philippines and Rwanda observe Fourth of July independence anniversaries for their own reasons.
And while Nigel Farage might have been knocked by some for suggesting that June 23 should be Britain’s Independence Day, all this talk hasn’t done the new film, Independence Day: Resurgence, any harm at all, since its release on June 24.
With minds mulling over the issue of independence, it’s a good time to think about what we can do to maintain our own independence as we grow older.
Being mobile, both at home and when out and about, makes all the difference to quality of life. But what independence aid might give you cause to celebrate? New way to give your life a lift A DOMESTIC lift provides a new way to remain independent — and is increasingly seen as an aspirational home accessory.
It will move two people between floors in moments, while also being incredibly useful for taking heavier items, such as a vacuum cleaner, laundry or holiday luggage, upstairs. A practical alternative to a stairlift, it can look really quite elegant in the home and can be placed almost anywhere — in the hall, living room or even a built-in cupboard.
It does not require a pit, or a wall to support it. In fact, minimal construction work is required and clean, efficient installation in a space-saving footprint takes less than two days to complete.
Safety features include a fully interlocked door — the lift cannot travel if the door is not closed. And pressuresensitive safety surfaces stop the lift if it is obstructed from above or below. Research the right stairlift NO ONE wants to have a stairlift fitted. But those with reduced strength will find that it increases their independence, leaving them with more energy to enjoy life.
Stairlifts can be custom-built for most stairs. Straight rails are the easiest to install, so are cheaper. Stairs with corners need a bespoke rail, which will increase the price. There are stairlifts that you can ‘perch’ on if you have problems bending your knees to use a standard one.
And some stairlifts have saddle-style seats which will spread to weight more comfortably. You will also find outdoor stairlifts made of weather-resistant material, which will bring back the joy of being able to tend the spring flowers or feel the sunshine on your face.
There are a few pitfalls to avoid, as you will discover by reading up. Beware, for example, of buying a secondhand stairlift
from an unreliable source, because it could turn out to be an expensive dud.
Stairlifts without a diagnostic function might lead to unnecessary home visits by an engineer. And should you opt to buy a reconditioned unit, you must ensure you have suitable warranties and guarantees before you sign on the line.
A seat that doesn’t swivel might also be an indication of an older or faulty unit — make sure you ask about its history and age. Do your research by reading any available guides and you will be able to buy with confidence. Don’t let hearing problems keep you out of circulation IF YOU are putting off doing something about your hearing problems because of feelings of self-consciousness, you really need not worry.
Today’s discreet hearing aids are light years away from the embarrassing oldstyle beige devices that people used to wear behind their ears so prominently a few decades ago.
While those cumbersome models used to whine, whistle and hum, modern digital hearing aids are sleek and unobtrusive, and some even fit snugly in the ear and are virtually impossible to see.
Not only that, but they come with amazing technology that eliminates feedback and softens sudden loud noises.
Volume is automatically controlled, and they are so clever, they can even distinguish between speech and background noise, giving you the best sound quality possible. This new generation of devices is comfortable and incredibly easy to wear, especially when fitted by a good hearing aid audiologist, who will take time to understand your needs and the situations where you have the most difficulty hearing. The transformation can feel almost miraculous, as you enjoy clearer hearing than you have experienced in years and boost your sense of independence. Neighbourly way of life in a retirement community RETIREMENT is a time when many people want to try new things, travel, pursue new interests and enjoy their independence as much as possible.
But there can be worries about how financially secure they will be or even if they can afford to retire at all. Moving to a smaller property in a retirement development can make it easier to achieve treasured goals.
These are neighbourly homes, providing companionship and a community that reduces isolation and