10 Essential Safety Tips for Living Alone After 60

Establish a Daily Check-In System

The single most important safety measure for anyone living alone is having a reliable way to let someone know you're okay every day. A daily check-in system ensures that if something goes wrong, someone will know quickly.

Why it matters: Medical emergencies, falls, and other incidents often happen when we're alone. The faster someone knows you need help, the better your chances of a full recovery.

How to implement:

• Use a dedicated check-in app like DailyOK that automatically alerts your emergency contacts if you miss a check-in
• Set consistent times (morning and evening) for your check-ins
• Choose multiple emergency contacts in case one is unavailable
• Make it part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth

Real impact: According to emergency medicine research, receiving treatment within the first hour of a stroke or heart attack can reduce long-term disability by up to 30%. A daily check-in system ensures someone will notice and get help quickly.

Fall-Proof Your Home

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 60. Each year, one in four older adults experiences a fall, and 20% of falls cause serious injury.

Key areas to address:

• Lighting: Install bright lights in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms. Use night lights to illuminate paths from bedroom to bathroom
• Floors: Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing. Clean up spills immediately. Keep walkways clear of clutter
• Stairs: Ensure handrails are secure on both sides. Mark the edge of steps with contrasting colored tape
• Bathrooms: Install grab bars near toilets and in showers. Use non-slip mats. Consider a shower chair if balance is an issue
• Kitchen: Store frequently used items at waist level to avoid reaching or climbing. Use a sturdy step stool with a handle when needed

Pro tip: Walk through your home as if you're seeing it for the first time. Better yet, ask a friend or family member to identify potential hazards you might overlook.

Keep Emergency Information Accessible

In an emergency, first responders need quick access to your medical information. Even if you can't communicate, this information can save your life.

What to prepare:

• List of current medications (including dosages)
• Allergies and adverse reactions
• Medical conditions and surgeries
• Primary doctor's contact information
• Emergency contact numbers
• Advance directives and healthcare power of attorney

Where to keep it:

• Printed copy on your refrigerator (first place EMTs check)
• In your wallet or purse
• In your phone (ICE - In Case of Emergency contacts)
• In a medical alert bracelet if you have serious conditions
• Digital copy shared with emergency contacts

Stay Connected to Your Community

Social isolation isn't just lonely—it's dangerous. Studies show that social isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Regular social contact also means more people who might notice if something's wrong.

Ways to stay connected:

• Join local senior centers or community groups
• Take classes (online or in-person) to learn new skills
• Volunteer for causes you care about
• Schedule regular video calls with distant family and friends
• Attend religious services or spiritual gatherings
• Join walking groups or exercise classes designed for seniors
• Use apps like Nextdoor to connect with neighbors

Bonus benefit: Regular social interaction has been shown to reduce risk of dementia and depression while improving overall quality of life.

Maintain Your Health Proactively

When you live alone, staying healthy isn't just about quality of life—it's a safety issue. Regular health maintenance can prevent emergencies before they happen.

Essential health practices:

• Regular check-ups: Don't skip annual physicals and recommended screenings
• Medication management: Use pill organizers and set phone alarms to never miss doses. Review medications with your doctor regularly
• Vision and hearing: Get eyes and ears checked annually. Poor vision increases fall risk, and hearing loss contributes to isolation
• Dental care: Oral health affects overall health. See your dentist regularly
• Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Walking, swimming, and strength training help maintain balance and bone density
• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Stay hydrated
• Sleep: Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Poor sleep increases fall risk and health problems

Secure Your Home Properly

Living alone can make you feel vulnerable to break-ins and scams. Good home security provides peace of mind and actual protection.

Physical security measures:

• Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
• Use a door viewer (peephole) and chain lock
• Keep doors and windows locked, even when home
• Install motion-sensor exterior lights
• Trim bushes near windows and doors to eliminate hiding spots
• Consider a video doorbell to see visitors without opening the door
• Don't advertise that you live alone (avoid "Mrs." on mailbox, don't mention it to strangers)

Scam protection:

• Never give personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call
• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls about "problems" with your computer, taxes, or utilities
• Don't let unexpected "repairmen" or "inspectors" into your home
• Shred documents with personal information before discarding
• Use a credit freeze to prevent identity theft

Prepare for Emergencies

Power outages, severe weather, and other emergencies are more challenging when you're alone. Preparation is key.

Emergency kit essentials:

• Water (1 gallon per day for 3 days)
• Non-perishable food for 3 days
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit
• 7-day supply of medications
• Copies of important documents in waterproof container
• Cash (ATMs may not work during outages)
• Phone charger and backup power bank
• List of emergency contacts

Additional preparations:

• Know where your main water and gas shut-off valves are located
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly
• Have a plan for extreme temperatures (where to go if power is out for days)

Keep Your Phone Charged and Accessible

Your phone is your lifeline in an emergency, but it's useless if the battery is dead or you can't reach it.

Phone safety practices:

• Charge your phone every night in a consistent location
• Keep a charger in every room you spend significant time in
• Carry your phone with you around the house (consider a lanyard or belt clip)
• Keep it in your pocket, not on a table, when you could fall
• Maintain a backup power bank that's always charged
• Consider a landline as backup (works during power outages)
• If vision is an issue, learn voice commands to call for help
• Set up emergency contacts so you can say "Call my daughter" instead of trying to dial

Important note: In many real emergencies, people can't reach their phone because they've fallen or had a stroke. This is why a daily check-in system is so crucial—it works even when you can't call for help.

Manage Medications Safely

Medication errors are common and dangerous, especially for people taking multiple prescriptions. When living alone, there's no one to catch mistakes.

Medication safety strategies:

• Use a pill organizer: Fill it once a week at the same time. Empty compartments tell you if you've missed a dose
• Set phone alarms: For medications that must be taken at specific times
• Keep a current list: Include medication names, dosages, and what they're for. Update it whenever changes are made
• Use one pharmacy: This helps catch dangerous drug interactions
• Understand your medications: Know what each one does and potential side effects
• Review regularly with your doctor: Some medications may no longer be necessary
• Store properly: Follow storage instructions (some need refrigeration, others must stay dry)
• Check expiration dates: Expired medications may be ineffective or harmful
• Never share medications: Even if someone has "the same problem"

Warning signs: If you frequently forget doses, take doses twice, or feel confused about your medications, talk to your doctor about simplifying your regimen or setting up a medication management system.

Plan for Transportation and Mobility

Maintaining independence means being able to get where you need to go safely. Plan ahead for changes in your driving ability and mobility.

Driving considerations:

• Get regular vision tests and update prescriptions
• Avoid driving at night if your night vision is declining
• Consider a driving evaluation if you or others have concerns
• Know the warning signs: getting lost in familiar areas, trouble with turns, close calls, dents and scrapes, feeling anxious while driving
• Have a plan for when you stop driving—don't wait for an accident to force the decision

Alternative transportation options:

• Public transportation (many cities offer senior discounts)
• Senior shuttle services
• Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft)—many seniors use these successfully
• Volunteer driver programs through churches and community organizations
• Medical transportation for health appointments (often covered by insurance)
• Grocery delivery services
• Friends and family (but have a backup so you're not dependent on one person)

Mobility inside the home: Consider a walker or cane if balance is an issue—there's no shame in using assistive devices. Physical therapy can also help improve strength and balance to maintain mobility longer.