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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’. Then you reach a certain age where you realize you must take charge of your aging, or at least the way in which you handle your older years.The first step is the simple one. Look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I am going to grow old, but it will be okay. I am going to be ready.Think about the place where you live. 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 keep up a yard or clean a big house without wearing yourself out?We all age in different degrees of health, so there is no one standard 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’.Be sure your affairs are in order. If you have property to leave in your estate, decide ahead who will inherit what and show your will to children or others who will inherit. It makes great Perry Mason shows when the will is a big secret, but in real life you should avoid mystery and intrigue.It will be your funeral. It’s inevitable - deal with it. Do you care how it is handled? There is nothing wrong with not wanting to plan it like a wedding, but as to place and cost, you should meet with a funeral planner years before you are too old to be sure of your decisions. Maybe you want Neil Diamond music at your funeral. Typical? Of course not, but it is certainly your right.Be specific ahead of time. Do you want ground burial or cremation? Cremation is a newer method that has gained wide popularity, but some people left behind need a grave to decorate and visit. Decide if this matters to you. Talk to close loved ones so they are comfortable about your end time. Say the words death and funeral out loud; it will help take the edge off words not comfortable to be said aloud.Find someone who will in charge of your 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 become vulnerable to folks who want to ‘help you’ 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, but at the same time, protect yourself.Accept what must come, but touch up those grays and remember, you’re not your granny . . . you are an aware person who takes care of their body and mind to get the most out of life.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
A disabled, but unstoppable old lady, I live as fully as I can. My freelance writing has been seen all over the world. I spend my days on the computer and have a weakness for pc games! I live with my rescue-ferret, Rascal, in downtown Portland Oregon.
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