7 Useful Life Hacks That Every Older Adult Should Know

There are so many things to love about getting older, like feeling less self-conscious, finally feeling a little bit wiser, and watching your kids grow into amazing adults, just to name a few. But struggling with hearing loss or finding yourself unable to lift heavy kitchen appliances? Let’s just say those aren’t quite as easy to love.

Luckily, I’ve rounded up some great tips and hacks that can help us all deal with the less desirable effects of aging (though there’s plenty that younger folks can benefit from here too!) Feel free to share these tips with your spouse, parents, and other loved ones to help them avoid unnecessary strain and make everyday life a little easier for everyone.

This post is Part 2 of an ongoing series. If you missed the first installment of Tips for Older Adults, be sure to check out Part 1 for more!

7 More Tips That Make Life Easier For Older Adults

1. Slide Your Appliances

Lugging my KitchenAid through the kitchen was never exactly easy, but it sure ain’t getting any easier! So now I keep it on a sliding appliance tray.

It’s a great way to keep your mixer and other everyday kitchen appliances in arm’s reach without having to pick them up every time I want to use them.

2. Use Hanging Storage For Easy Access

Bending over, kneeling, and even reaching into the backs of cabinets gets increasingly uncomfortable (not to mention potentially injurious) for older adults. Use over-the-door pocket organizers, racks, and hooks to create more storage space you won’t have to bend over to reach.

Hang one on the hall closet door for shoes, hats, umbrellas, etc., or hang one in your laundry room for laundry and cleaning supplies. Fill these easily accessible organizers with items you use every day to maximize their usefulness.

3. Amplify Your Alarm

Having trouble hearing your alarm when it goes off in the morning? After setting the alarm on your phone, place it in an empty glass on your nightstand before you go to sleep.

The glass will help amplify the sound of your alarm when it goes off in the morning, so you can hear it better. For the best results, aim your phone’s speakers toward the bottom of the cup.

4. Pack A Nightlight

When staying at a hotel or with a friend, bring a plug-in nightlight with you. Trying to find your way to the bathroom in the dark (especially given the unfamiliar territory) can be a challenge for anyone, and it’s an easy way to stub your toe or walk straight into a wall. (Hey, we’ve all been there!)

5. Make Cupboards More Accessible

Removing the doors from your kitchen cabinets can be beneficial in two ways. First, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for much more easily when you can scan the shelf and see everything at once.

And second, grabbing things is a breeze when you don’t have an extra hurdle to get over, like a heavy or “sticky” cupboard door.

6. Utilize A Food Chopper

If chopping ingredients has become a chore, consider investing in this handy little food chopper. It’s perfect for cubing fresh ingredients for omelets or hard-boiled eggs for egg salad.

It also makes it super easy to whip up crowd-pleasers like guacamole and homemade salsa. You can still be the hostess with the most-est while saving yourself time and effort.

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7. Put A Lazy Susan To Work

If you struggle to reach items in the back of your fridge, put a lazy Susan in there to make those items easier to reach. Just give it a spin and grab what you need!

The same goes for your kitchen pantry or bathroom cabinet, too—in fact, there’s hardly a place that wouldn’t benefit from the addition of a lazy Susan

Do you have any tips or tricks that make things easier for older adults?