Abraham Lincoln’s famous words have lived on for ages after they were spoken. It’s quite possible that he had no idea the impact those words would make on societies born well after his death. But how true those words are; “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
Retirement doesn’t signal the end of life, only the end of an era. For those who have embraced the many changes that have surely visited them throughout a long and healthy existence, life after retirement can be active and full of satisfying activities. Growing into your seventies and eighties is oftentimes a life event that you and your family tiptoe towards, worried about your health and safety. If you are the retiree, the worry about health and safety is most likely more on the part of your children than on your part. Adult children worry that their parents are well taken care of, and yet don’t want to take away the valuable independence that they have enjoyed for so many years. It is a situation that, working closely together, can be handled with grace and dignity.
Maintaining independence is vitally important to the emotional well-being of our senior community. Those who care for and are planning the living arrangements of seniors will do well to keep this in mind when working with them. These are people who have lived through years of ups and downs; decades of raising children and holding down successful careers. The latter years of a person’s life are still full of potential and vitality; that is a fact.
Staying in your own home as you grow older is something that you may have strong feelings about. Your home is as much a part of your life as your family. It is where so many memories live that leaving it is almost always a last resort. Obtaining quality in-home care when it becomes necessary can alleviate fears that may go along with independent living. Knowing that you have a caretaker that comes and goes as needed can give you and your family a peace of mind, and allow you to live more freely doing the things that make you happy.
There are so many activities that seniors can engage in that will not only give them something to do, but will also continue to enhance their lives. After all, learning and experiencing new things is good for everyone, no matter what their age. Making this a fulfilling part of a healthy life is easily done when a family has taken the time to engage in discussions about the importance of independence to aging parents. Once reliable and caring in-home care is arranged, both seniors and their families breathe easier and can get back to the task of living life to the fullest.
As important as it is to enjoy continued independence, seniors must not forget to get out and enjoy the freedom they have in this stage of life. The kids are grown and well into their child rearing years. You have contributed to the work force for decades and enjoyed the sweet success of your career. Now is the time to think of something you may immensely enjoy doing. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn a new language. It’s not too late to begin learning! In fact, studies have shown that seniors who spend time on educational activities have better cognitive function and retain their memories longer than seniors who do not. In addition to the health benefits, attending educational programs give seniors the opportunity to interact with others of their age group and younger people as well. Engaging in a group activity also helps alleviate the isolation and depression that inactive seniors often develop.
Here are a few pulsating activities to keep you young at heart: Eight is Enough . . . Bridge Team Games, Pie Socials, Play Poker, Greeting Card recycling, Group Trail Walks, Group Bike Rides, karaoke, Digital Photography…
If language is not your thing, there are still a wide variety of options open to you. Exercise classes, chess clubs, even square dancing or ballroom dancing are all thriving classes in our local community center. The bottom line is that as you have embraced every other life change that has come your way, embracing the changes that come along with retirement and senior living is what will keep you the most healthy and happy.
Attitude determines so much in life. This is something all who have lived long have discovered. When you and your family can look at this time in life as just another adventure in a long journey, then you can find the things that make your heart sing as loudly as it did when you were just beginning. Making sure that everything at home is taken care of by a home health agency you are comfortable with leaves the doors wide open for you to branch out and continue leaving your mark on the world. Life does not stop at a certain age, it goes on as long as you continue walking down that road.
Nichole Illingworth is the President of A Peace of Mind Home Care, servicing needs to the elderly in Southern California. For more information on home health care please visit:
An excellent article. Now here is something related in a way to the article. George Washington historically wrote every man has a right to be free. However, Washington was one of the biggest slave owners in the country -
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on 2/22/2009 8:58:58 PM. View other articles written byNichole Illingworth(24)
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