How are others coping with the gradual loss of independence.

I have severe balance problems and it took me time to come to terms with the idea of using a stick. I did this but after a while I started looking at a walker. I have bought an all terrain one and what a difference it has made to my life. I can walk at a better pace get shopping and feel secure while out and about. The one I have is a little bulky on the bus it takes up about the same space as a wheelchair,but you can buy smaller it has a seat nd room for shopping. The wheels adjust for town and country and I’ve used it in both situations and I feel good being a bit more independent. I was a keen cyclist and miss it so much I still shed a tear occasionally when one whizzes past me. But onwards and upwards my walker is my new bike. Accept whatever help you need to get you through this.

I have poor sight, poor hearing and reduced mobility. It seems to me that the key to independence is to be ready to constantly adapt. Sometimes a number of very small changes can make life easier and give you the energy to tackle the bigger problems. As an example I got fed up trying to find kitchen tools in the drawer, they all had black handles. Now I have tools with different colour handles and smaller items are kept in pots on my windowsill where I can see them easily. Cooking is quicker and less frustrating leaving me with more energy to tackle other things.

A heart problem means I have to rest more often and cannot manage to walk uphill etc. Its frustrating but I try to work round it. Does mean I have more time to read so that's a positive.