AGING GRACEFULLY
Happy New Year
Where does the time go? As we grow older, it is safe to say, that for most people, time seems to go faster. Getting ready for work on Mondays, my husband often says, “Don’t worry because tomorrow is Friday.”
With that being said, I think that as we grow older it is more important to make the most of each day and to work to be the best that we can be physically, mentally and spiritually. That does sound like a lot of work, but from what the experts say, it is worth it.
At this time of year, there is a lot of talk about the dreaded New Year’s Resolutions. I’m sure that I am not the only one who has made many resolutions and only kept a few. I have to think that maybe the few I have kept have helped me to live a better life.
If you are still thinking about what you should be doing in 2013 to make it the best year it can be for you, I have a few suggestions. When you decide to make a resolution, discuss it with a friend or family member who would be supportive in helping you stay on track. This may also encourage this person to ask you for encouragement. New Year’s resolutions made together can be especially important for seniors. By helping each other, each one may gain a sense of purpose, this can be very meaningful in the life of a loved one who is growing older.
I recently read an article listing the top five New Year’s resolutions for seniors. I thought they were worth sharing;
– Write a letter or send a card, like in the old days. There is nothing more important than making someone feel they are worth your time and are in your thoughts. The internet is fine, but it does not take the place of a handwritten note. This is a win- win situation.
– Plan to age gracefully by pursuing a healthy lifestyle. This means taking good care of yourself by eating nutritious food, exercising often, socializing with family and friends and enjoying all the advantages there are with growing older.
– Share your favorite recipes with loved ones. Meals made using recipes that have been handed down through the generations often make for a delicious heartwarming meal.
– Add a bit of technology to your day. It may be hard to believe, but seniors are the fastest growing segment of computer users. Computers allow you to be instantly connected to your family and friends. Ask a younger person for some assistance and a few lessons. I have learned that the younger people are very willing to help and are a wealth of knowledge. Realizing that you only need to know a few computer operations in order to send an e-mail may encourage you to give it a try.
– Make time to talk about the hard stuff. This may not be fun, but it is the most important resolution of all. You want to be sure that your wishes are carried out, if the time comes when you are unable to make your wishes known. Living Wills, Health Care Proxies, MOLST Forms, Power Of Attorney, Estate Planning, Wills, Funeral Arrangements and any other issue you feel is important for you to have a say in, get it done. The sooner you do this, the better. This is the best gift you can give yourself and your family.
Ending on a lighter note, I wish that 2013 is your best year ever. Living life to the fullest, no matter what your age, gives you the integrity and success in life that we should all strive for.
Carol McKee RN, Farrar Home Administrator
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