Cleaning Smarter as We Get Older

I'll admit it—I'm approaching 60, and I've started noticing that some of the things I used to do, without thinking, are a little tougher.  It makes me wonder, "Is there an easier (safer) way?"

Cleaning is one of those things.

There was a time when I would drag out a heavy vacuum, climb on a chair to dust the ceiling fan, and spend an entire day scrubbing the house from top to bottom. Today, I still like a clean home, and help clean the homes of others, but I've learned that working smarter is much better than working harder.

As we get older, our balance changes and our knees remind us….”PSST, I’m right down here!” Getting down on the floor is as hard as getting back up. That's normal. The key is adjusting how we do things so we can continue living safely and independently.

One of the best changes I've made is using lightweight cleaning tools with longer handles. They save my back, keep me from bending so much, and make it much easier to reach those high and low spots. Microfiber cloths have become another favorite because they clean well with very little effort and many times without chemicals.  Chemicals can dry our skin, no matter how well we try to keep the gloves on.  OH-and gloves!  I just bought a four pair pack of bright purple reusable cleaning gloves on Amazon for less than $20.  They also have a selection of “extendable lightweight cleaning” tools and “extendable grabbers”.  If you need help to shop online, please ask for assistance.  (You can call me if you’d like).

I've also stopped trying to clean the whole house in one day. Instead, I tackle one room or one task at a time. Fifteen or twenty minutes here and there adds up, and I'm a lot less sore the next day.  This past Sunday, I did all the dusting, stretched, relaxed for an hour, then tackled the mighty kitchen, taking a break every 30 minutes. 

Here's another piece of friendly advice: standing on kitchen chairs or unstable stools to reach something is simply unsafe.  Falls are one of the biggest reasons older adults end up in the emergency room, and they're often preventable. If something is out of reach, use an extension tool or ask for help.

I've also discovered that clutter has a way of sneaking up on all of us. A stack of mail, a pair of shoes left by the door, or that extension cord running across the room may not seem like much until it's the thing that causes a fall. Taking a few minutes to clear walkways can make your home both safer and more relaxing.

I’m learning, asking for help doesn't mean giving up your independence. Sometimes it's the smartest way to keep it. Whether it's a family member helping with a heavy job or hiring someone for the tasks that have become difficult, there's nothing wrong with saving your energy for the things you enjoy most.

At this stage of life, our goal isn't to have a picture-perfect house every day. It's to create a home that's safe, healthy and comfortable, where we can continue making memories with family and friends.

Your back, your knees, and your future self will thank you for making a few simple changes.