As you get older, everyday tasks you used to take for granted can take more effort. Things like getting out of a car, putting on socks or holding a mug may feel harder than they used to.
Small, everyday tools can make a big difference. They aren’t medical equipment. They’re simply practical aids that can help you be more comfortable, confident and independent.
Nicole Fukuzawa, an occupational therapist with Banner Health, said, “It is a priority, of course, to continue doing routine things independently and without help. But life happens and there are strategies and tools that can make a difference.”
With the right tool, a frustrating task can turn into one you feel like you can manage again. Here are some options.
Getting in and out of the car more safely
To get in and out of a car, you need balance, leg strength and flexibility. This can be challenging, especially if you have stiffness, joint pain, mobility issues, balance problems or you’re recovering from surgery.
Helpful tools include:
- Auto assist grab bar: “This portable tool inserts into the latch on a car door and provides a handle for extra stability if you need help sitting or standing,” Fukuzawa said.
- Seat belt reachers: Reachers bring the belt closer to your body, so you don’t need to twist as much and you’re less likely to strain your shoulder.
Bathing and dressing with less strain
Fukuzawa recommends a hip kit to many of her patients. This kit can help you complete tasks without as much bending at the hips. These movements can be tough if you have arthritis or you recently had surgery.
“A hip kit is easy to use and helps keep you safe and independent,” Fukuzawa said. Hip kits generally include:
- Long-handled sponge: Helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas during showers
- Long shoehorn: Guides your foot into a shoe while limiting bending
- Dressing stick: Helps you put on or take off clothing
- Reacher: Grabber tools are useful for picking up items
You may also want to add a sock assist tool (sock aid), which lets you slide a sock over your foot while you’re sitting upright.
Reaching items without overextending
Stretching too far or climbing on furniture puts you at risk for falls. Along with a reacher, it’s a good idea to have a lightweight step stool with non-slip feet and a handrail for balance.
Eating and drinking more comfortably
Your grip strength may decrease as you get older, so it may be harder or more tiring to do certain kitchen tasks. These kitchen tools can help:
- Adaptive silverware: Utensils with wider, easy-to-grip handles reduce hand strain.
- Weighted utensils: These may help reduce shaking if you have tremors.
- Mugs with large or two handles: A larger or double handle gives you a steadier grip and can help prevent spills.
These items often look like regular kitchenware but they give you extra support.
Opening jars and handling small objects
Tasks where you need to twist something or use fine motor control can be frustrating. Opening jars can be tough even with normal grip strength.
Simple tools can help:
- Jar openers: These specially designed tools lower the strain on your fingers and wrists.
- Key turners: These items enlarge the grip area of a key so it’s easier to turn in a lock.
How to choose the right tools
If you’re considering everyday mobility aids, start with the tasks that feel hardest.
A few tips:
- Look for lightweight designs
- Choose items with non-slip grips
- Prioritize comfort over price
- Try one item at a time
You don’t need to overhaul your home all at once. Even one well-chosen tool can help.
Fukuzawa also recommends soft foam or tubing as an all-purpose tool. “It can be applied to various items like toothbrushes, utensils, pens and tools to improve independence and comfort when you’re completing daily tasks like eating or writing. It can help if you have a weak grip, arthritis or limits to your dexterity,” she said.
Tips for staying independent
Fukuzawa recommends planning for aging. “Transitions in life are never easy and can often be frustrating, anxiety-ridden or simply upsetting,” she said.
She stresses the importance of moving your body. “Even a 30-minute walk inside or outside will help strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility, boost immunity and enhance mental well-being by decreasing stress and anxiety,” she said.
She also pointed out that completing everyday tasks is easier when you:
- Follow routines
- Balance rest and activity
- Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps
When to talk to a health care provider
It’s a good idea to talk to a health care provider about your ability to do daily tasks if:
- They begin to take a significant amount of time or energy to complete
- You’ve fallen or almost fallen
- Your balance feels less steady
- Your strength or coordination is changing
- Pain is limiting your activity
- You’re neglecting getting dressed or bathing
- You begin to feel overwhelmed, anxious or depressed about your inability to safely complete your daily tasks
“Information, tools and devices are out there to help you maintain a safe and independent way of living,” Fukuzawa said. A provider or occupational therapist can recommend tools tailored to your specific needs and help you stay active and independent.
The bottom line
Everyday items like car assist handles, sock aids, adaptive silverware and reacher tools can make daily life more comfortable as you get older.
If you’re not sure which tools may help, reach out to a Banner Health provider for personal tips and recommendations that can help you stay as safe and active as possible.
