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Preparing to Age in Place
Many of us in the Aging Well Support Group express similar concerns. We are currently doing o.k. in our homes, on our own, but recognize that disabilities may be on our horizons.
Can we be reasonably proactive about this?
What can we do to stay in our homes as long as possible?
What can we do to gracefully reach out for assistance when we need it?
What can we expect the costs will be as we try to imagine the economies of our lives as we age?
What modifications can we make now that will make life easier when we have less strength and energy?
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Dear Fellow Agers-
Let’s tell the truth: This is a time of considerable worry for those of us whose life plans depend on Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, retirement savings and programs that help the elderly.
The future looks less predictable and we can’t be sure all our plans for aging well will survive intact.
Since the November election my mood has been “drifting,” and I know I’m not alone.
News of the last days tells me the changes happening aren’t just imaginary.
So when I look forward to aging in place I see many unanswered questions that can dampen my mood, and I don’t have answers to offer beyond “We will see what happens.”
But I do have a response to offer.
Our futures, whatever they become, will consist of the unbroken links of “Now,” stepping forward day-by-day, moment-by-moment.
We have the ability to shape the content and feelings of many of those moments.
We can be intentional and proactive in sustaining and building the joys that nurture our lives.
Doing this empowers us, and we need all the power we can muster!
Here are some of the things I’ve found to make my day as full as possible:
-Talking with my wife about grandkids; looking at grandkid photos together. Learning about the new town where they’re moving soon.
-Playing more music for sheer enjoyment.
-Grooming our dogs; teaching them new tricks; just playing and going for more walks.
-Joining our neighbors for play and visit time in the park.
-Reading articles and discussing them with my wife.
-Watching one historic TV drama each evening and learning about the historic background of the characters.
-Continuing my workshop projects and really enjoying my woodworking tools and skills. Loving beautiful pieces of wood!
-Shopping for really good produce and making simple meals that show them at their best.
O.K., you get the idea.
Today is the life we have.
We can make it the best day we can have, every day.
And this will make us strong.
Let's do this together.
Please share what makes you strong.
With love,
Ed
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17 ReactionsWhat a beautiful way to frame our current circumstances, trying to find joy in a world of fast moving change.
We are practicing gratitude that we enjoy and treasure the simple things in life, from a healthy meal, being out in nature or enjoying a good conversation with a friend. We are doing many of the same activities and taking up new ones such as board games and puzzles, all the while enjoying each other's company. We don't know how long we have and want to make the most of it.
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7 ReactionsLovely suggestions to distract us while our country evolves into oligarchy.
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4 ReactionsCalling my representatives daily.
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4 ReactionsThe intention is not to distract, the intention is to focus and strengthen our sense of self-worth at a time when that is increasingly needed.
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8 ReactionsThank you, Ed, and others, for your uplifting messages.
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