By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
We are living at a time when growing older, retiring and aging are being redefined.
Medical advances, technology, nutrition research, exercise—plus an appreciation of the importance of staying engaged with others and an interest in lifelong learning—help us age in new and better ways than ever.
Retirement is not about the end; it’s about ending one chapter and starting a new one. We reinvent ourselves, try new things and embrace our later years, despite the inevitable wear and tear our bodies and lives may have taken.
Just Do It
Getting older can be an exciting time—if we let it. I am not suggesting aging is all smiles and roses; nothing in life is without challenges. Growing older in the best way possible requires effort, thought, risk and— most importantly—embracing change. Where and how we live play a big role.
I met Judy a couple of years ago at the age of 88. She was amazing and inspiring, and had a positive approach to aging, long before any of us knew much about navigating our older years healthfully.
Judy had health issues over the years, but her attitude, lifestyle and genetics (although we are learning genetics may play less of a role than earlier believed) allowed her to keep moving forward.
Judy had been married with three children who eventually moved out of state. Judy’s husband died suddenly in his late 60s. Staying in her beloved three-bedroom family home was no longer a good fit.
She wanted to create a life that worked for her now and as she aged. Among her wants: a community where she didn’t have to drive too far, or not at all. She wanted to walk to the grocery store, possibly her church, and a place to exercise. She wanted to live around other people.
Choices
Judy had a lot to think about, accept, plan and work towards. She found experts to help her sell her home and understand her finances. Armed with the information, she made choices that met her goal of aging well.
She moved into a modest one-bedroom, fourth-floor condo—a dramatic change considering she had never lived anywhere but the home she grew up in as a child and her family home.
The building had a pool and a workout facility, and she could walk to the grocery store, shops and restaurants. It was a new way of living. Judy described it as scary, different, exciting and challenging. Now, 20 years later, she’s thankful she made the change.
As Judy and others have discovered, change has terrific benefits as we age. Here are a few:
- Quality of Life: Take control of your life and choices. Build resilience, learn new things, meet people and improve the quality of your life.
- Adventure: Often, pushing ourselves is when we learn the most and benefit our health and well being.
- Transitions: Downsizing and decluttering may be overwhelming, but sorting through old memories can be cathartic, reduce stress, and leave us with a sense of productivity and accomplishment.
- Independence: As we age, our bodies and the way we do things will change. Embracing those changes can help us remain as independent as possible.
For some of us, a senior community that offers support and assistance may be the way to go; for others, moving in with a family member will be the right choice. Yet others may get a roommate to share a large family home.
The important message is that we will continue to age, and our needs and lifestyles will change. Are we ready for it all?
Do you want to ignore reality and risk losing new opportunities? Or do you want to think about your future, make a plan, accept change and live your best life?
Original Article: https://www.northeastohiothrive.com/magazine/caregiver-corner-change-is-good-but-tough/