The next chapter in life is around the corner or may already be here, suddenly you awaken and realize the time is now to explore this new life we call Retirement. Time to breathe. Time to realize that in sustaining the world around you, new decisions will have to be made. Yet, when it comes to moving on and getting things done; we all can relate to this little quote!
A story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody would not do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody, and Nobody did what Anybody could have done! (author unknown)
In discussing the Golden Years, our friend Courage will become our best friend as time marches on. Let us consider what situations might be an encouragement for making the necessary adjustments to our living arrangement, as we begin to age during our retirement years. Perhaps a fall incident happened, and it wakes you up to the fact your house may not be as safe as it once was. The holidays once were a highlight of the year, revisiting family recipes, planning a yummy meal, decorating, seat assignments, and oh, let us not forget the shopping. However, the energy it took to host the holidays are not there anymore. And now we find all the fine china in storage, never to be seen again. The holiday activities are at the children's homes, and this holiday season will be even more challenging, with 2020 COVID activities coming to a screeching halt. Maybe we were lucky enough to celebrate on ZOOM!
Life changes in many ways as each new chapter of our life brings new excitement and challenging times. Now is a good time to adapt and go with the movement as it begins to ebb and flow, with Courage always by our side.
Planning for the Next Greatest Chapter is critical. The Baby Boomer Generation holds 75 Million people between the ages of 54-75 according to AARP. Everyone in this generation is looking at the next chapter of life, at one stage or another. There is much you will want to consider when deciding what to do in retirement and beyond, where you will ultimately want to grow into your elder years.
Perhaps a retirement community or a specific plan to Age in Place would be the choice. Nevertheless, those deep questions still linger, such as: What will it cost? Will I lose my freedom? Where do I want to live? What things do I want to do in my older days? Will I like the new friends I am bound to meet as neighbors? What about the food? And then the inevitable question finally hits you, how am I going to get this all done? Committing is where most people put on the brakes, they have forgotten their friend Courage is always by their side! It is an overwhelming thought to take 30+ years of your home and move it, leaving the family memories behind. Courage will tell you that you will not be leaving those memories behind, you are just creating a new home with the same heart.
Would you prefer planning your relocation or wait until a crisis occurs, and have that choice taken away from you? That is a hard concept to grasp, I know, but let us follow this story a bit further; it might help with the decision-making process.
Scenario 1:
Jim and Carol are thinking ahead. Their adult children live about 250 miles north of their current home, the drive to visit is taking a lot more effort than it used to. They love being around the kids and grandchildren, but certainly do not want to be a bother. Carol suggests to Jim that they might want to look into a retirement community where they could have the freedom to live independently, yet have others available if something happened to either one of them; that way, the kids will not have to worry so much.
Scenario 2:
Bob and Janet are in their early 80's and life has been great raising the kids in the family home; 30+ years now. Janet loves her beautiful two-story home; she loves the holidays, just as much as her friends do. Bob loves his garden next to a large lawn that sets off the front of his home, just like the White House! However, there are a few problems for Bob and Janet now. Janet finds it hard to manage the stairs to her bedroom, and Bob is not physically able to handle the chores of mowing and weeding to keep his property looking like it did three decades ago. Honestly, those weeds have invaded most of the yard now. Perhaps a crisis is looming for Bob and Janet. A fall down the stairs, a hurt shoulder, or a back injury from bending over picking the weeds could be right around the corner.
Right now, might be a good opportunity for both couples to start considering their next options. Make sure your friend Courage comes along when you begin the conversation. Preparation is important and the Conversation can be challenging. Non-profit organizations such as The Conversation Project https://theconversationproject.org/, Five Wishes https://fivewishes.org/, and Vial of Life https://www.vialoflife.com/ guide people through making those critical decisions. Keep in mind that you will be choosing another person to speak for you when you cannot speak for yourself, so these tools will be unbelievably valuable to you. With the Vial of Life program suggesting a simple little card posted on your refrigerator and on your window by the front door, alerts the emergency responders your important information is available, and it could save your life.
Courage again shows up to assist both couples to begin envisioning their environment by considering their current health, social, and physical needs as they begin to start this next chapter of their lives. There will be some attractive opportunities if we take the blinders off and know this can be the most critical chapter! Like most of us, both couples begin to look around their home and realize they have too much "stuff" they collected over the many years of homeownership. The pure sense of overwhelming takes over. It all seems so difficult, but it is not. With Courage close by this overwhelming feeling will soon turn to overjoyed. Let us turn this mindset around, right now, before Defeat (not our friend) settles into our bones. What would the story be if we decided to tackle the tough stuff right now, so we could, again, enjoy our senior years doing the things we have always loved to do?
With a new mindset and the possibility of living in a safer environment, let us look at some ideas of regarding the new buzz word; "Rightsizing."
Many people have too many possessions, with whole rooms occupied with things we no longer use. It is time to declutter and move those things on. Think about what you only need and truly cherish. You will need to do some organizing to get this task complete, but it really does turn out fun when Courage plays along. Then sell, donate, or give away the rest ~ you will find it very cathartic! Simplifying your life should leave you overjoyed, not overwhelmed, I hope you see, Peace, just joined the scene!
Here are some benefits of "Rightsizing."
· New home or remodeled home to suit future safety needs ~
· Reduce everyday domestic costs such as maintenance and utilities
· Minimize daily chores and avoid life-threatening injuries
· Release some equity in your home to start over when today's needs are different than yesterday.
· Free yourself up for new adventures
· The feeling of your home being safe and secure
A fresh start can be very therapeutic – a "new" home (remodeled or new location), new neighborhood, new activities that are senior-friendly, and a wider circle of friends can be extremely healthy. Doing these things will keep older people from spiraling downhill due to Isolation. Creating a new space based on your needs today will surely bring you more Socialization and a brand-new step in your skip.
We can all agree that these are not easy subjects to discuss, Doubt, will always try to crash the party. It is essential to think about these things now when you are able. What if you or a partner become incapacitated or even dies? How will it affect the other? Perhaps they will need someone to look after them? Talking this through pragmatically and rationally and planning can help make things easier when life is most difficult, especially when you let, Courage, come join the party.
Creating Your Legacy Box & Binder
Before any decisions are made, I like to have my documents in order. It will serve you well by creating a special place for those important documents. The opportunity to update your Personal, Medical, Financial, Housing and Spiritual wishes provide a chance to lighten up your load. We all know when we need to do something, and we continue to procrastinate; it can weigh us down. Like a heavy backpack, we drag around all day and night. A task that you know needs to be done, that monkey on your back. Yes, that is why putting together a Legacy box, Binder, Folder, whatever you want to call it; is simply a place for important information all about YOU and stashed where someone else can find it in an emergency. I promise you that your loved one’s will be extremely grateful for your hard work in the time of a crisis. After completing this task, you will feel so much better, relaxed, and have a genuinely accomplished feeling. It will not be easy, but it is vital for you and other's peace of mind. You will be removing the burden of "unknown" for the family members because this information will save your life and your legacy. This project will require an invitation to your best friend Courage!
The main problem is not having a place for your essential documents. If Somebody does not know your wishes, then Nobody can help you get them done. You do not have to communicate with Everybody but certainly you must consider Anyone who has Courage as their best friend. Start from your heart, knowing that this is a "gift" to your mother, father, husband, wife, daughter, son, or grandchild; whoever will be responsible for communicating your wants and needs. This will ease Everyone’s stress when they want to give you the love and care you deserve.
A Legacy Box is a place you will want to start. It will be your file box with file folders and labeled tabs to keep yourself and the documents organized. When the file box is complete, you can then create your loved one a simple Grab n' Go binder for emergencies. By creating a Legacy Binder, you will be providing clear communication regarding your wants and needs, provide necessary authorizations, in one location where all the essential documents are located, a real gift. With your friend Courage, Everybody’s needs will be considered, most importantly, yours.
Consider putting together a plan for your future now. The author highly recommends you contact a Professional Estate Attorney for expert personal advice.
BIO
Joanne Peters retired from the housing industry due to COVID 19 in March of 2020. She enjoyed 32 years of real estate experience along with Certifications as a Senior Move Manager, Age in Place Advisor, and Senior Housing Professional as well as Senior Real Estate Specialist. Her goal is to leave a legacy, so others will not suffer needlessly when a Crisis arrives. She encourages planning for the aging process early, and know it's never too early to "start the conversation" on aging with your loved ones.
What we called a phone in 1960 hung on your wall, had a rotary wheel, and only dialed other phones in your area. What we call a phone in 2020 is a mobile supercomputer with infinite information just seconds away! The word "phone" has changed a lot in 60 years, and so has the word "senior." At Central Coast Senior, we are bold, active, engaged, and wise. We would love for you to share your journey with us.