Golden Years

No, this is not an article about Boy Scouts. This is an article about being prepared for growing older. Even though age comes along on its own, being prepared and knowing what to expect can make those years easier.

In my younger days I had no patience for thinking about my 'golden years'. But after you reach a certain age you realize you have the power to control your aging, or at least the handling of it. First step is the simple one. Look yourself in the mirror and say, "I am going to grow old. It will be okay, but I am going to be ready."

Think about your home. Would it be easy to take care of and get around in if you were slower and not as steady on your feet? Will you be able to keep up the yard or clean a big house without wearing yourself out?

We all age in different degrees of health, so there is no standard that we can apply. If you have had health problems you might want to limit your space, saving on housework, heating bills and upkeep. Nothing is worse than the helpless feeling of needing someone to 'take care' of us. As a disabled person, I know this feeling well. Coping with help is just another of many difficulties for the older and more infirm of us.

Be sure your affairs are in order. Decide ahead who will inherit what. Don't let anyone influence you. Have a detailed will and then you can say you have it taken care of, in case there are greedy children, friends or loved ones. Make sure your funeral wishes are well spelled out in the will. Details as to type of burial, where, what kind of funeral you want.

You may want to go with cremation, but loving relatives can be obstinate about something so far from typical ground burial.

Find someone who will be in charge of you and your estate should you become frail or senile as you get older. Pick someone you trust and tell them everything you want done. Don't wait until it becomes difficult to make decisions. Don't be vulnerable to folks who want to 'help' you and run your life. Sign nothing! Ever, unless you discuss it with an attorney or trusted friend. Getting 'dotty' in our older years isn't something to expect, fight against that stigma.

In the next article we will talk about some rather common programs for the older citizen, but some that aren't really that well known. Touch up those grays and remember, your not your granny...you are an aware person who takes care of their body and mind to get the most out of life.