Doctor on Call: How seniors in Oklahoma can stay independent as they age

Maintaining independence is one of the most important parts of aging well, and it looks different for every senior.

Geriatrician Dr. Chandini Sharma joined News On 6 to share advice for families looking to help older loved ones stay active, independent, and safe in their later years.

Independence Is More Than Just Physical Health

“There are different types of independence, right?” Dr. Sharma said. “And that is like physical independence, cognitive independence, financial independence.”

That full picture, she explained, helps doctors and families better support each senior’s unique goals.

Daily Activity Beats New Year’s Resolutions

“It's that stubbornness and that grit which says, you know what, I'll stay active,” she said.

Dr. Sharma explained that staying physically engaged at home, even with basic movement, is better than waiting for the perfect workout plan.

“Instead of going to a gym and doing steps, if he's going up and down the steps, that's exercise,” she said. “Active is better than going to a gym and pumping iron.”

“At a senior age, activity and getting up and doing your thing is important, is far better than trying to think, oh, come January 1st, I'll join the gym and go for a half an hour gym. That doesn't happen. Maybe happens for two weeks and then drops down.”

Even Small Moves Build Big Independence

“For people who are independent in their home, they engage in activity, walking, simple walking keeps you active and going,” Sharma said.

“For people who are in nursing homes, there are these activities like little chair yoga, sit to stand, and those kinds of activities, which is, again, just to keep your muscles active.”

Why Transfers Are the Key to Safety and Dignity

“What is a transfer? When you are sitting on a chair or a bed and from a bed you can transfer to a wheelchair. Then, from a wheelchair, you can transfer to a toilet. That is another level of trying to maintain your independence,” Dr. Sharma said.

“If you're alone at home, but you can safely move from your bed to the wheelchair… that means you're actually at a frailty level of physical debility that you are now in a wheelchair. But still, there is that level of independence and dignity.”

“If you can move from the bed to the wheelchair and from the wheelchair to the toilet, you're actually independent,” she said, “because then whoever's taking care of you at home can leave the house and you can be independent enough.”

There’s a Spectrum of Senior Independence

“There’s a whole spectrum of independence, right?” Dr. Sharma said. “And there are marathoners who are at 87 running marathons, right?”

Her closing advice for older adults and their families: “Get that transfer mastered and you can stay independent, as long as it's safe.”