More often then not, aging tends to not be a fun topic to discuss. Until you have to, even then it’s full of misconceptions, stereotypes, and falsehoods. Just the thought of it brings up visions of either a person we know who does it well and one who is definitely struggling. As if by glance we can make that assumption of another persons life story. Worse from this assumption we make life choices based off a quick glance illusion.
So it doesn’t really surprise me, that if it’s already a topic no one wants to think about why would we want to talk about it?
As the saying goes, if we’re fortunate it’s something we all get the opportunity to do. Discussing something with so many variables can make it difficult to plan for, but still, it can be discussed. I’d like to offer you the opportunity to discuss it with yourself first. Either of these questions will help you look at aging a bit differently.
How will you address the limitations? Experience has taught me that as we age there are things we’re no longer able to do ourselves, from simply not being able to drive at night to more complicated activities of daily living. It’s about still getting your needs met. Either one continues with the ability to do them or they have cultivated the relationships in their lives that they have willing help. If not then it falls in the hiring someone to do and/or assist you with doing.
How do you intend to pay for this? Generally speaking, aging comes with expenses we never consider yet assume Medicare and private insurance pay for it all. I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t. Want to keep playing weekly golf, but your best friend can’t pick you up this week, and all your kids live out of state? Things like Uber are not covered under insurance.
I don’t use the words age well or not well, what I’ve learned is those who can meet their needs in creative ways regardless their limitations are the ones who live life on their terms, to the end.
—
Join like-minded individuals in The Good Men Project Community.
◊♦◊
Photo: Shutterstock