Another new year is upon us, and our yearly ritual of self-improvement is in full swing.
I don’t know the statistics, but from the parking lot at the local health club, I gather that a lot of people deemed January a prime time to start an exercise program. Others may be waging battles against tobacco or caffeine in hopes of a new and improved self.
But how many of us make resolutions about how we want to live when we are older? Maybe you don’t even know where to start, so I thought I’d offer a few ideas.
Nurture connections
You’ve probably read about the importance of socializing for maintaining good health. Unfortunately, social isolation is one of the more common pitfalls that older people face.
It may be that your mobility declines or you stop driving; perhaps your spouse gets sick or old friends start to pass away. Suddenly, or so it seems, you haven’t talked to anyone for days.
Social isolation can lead to depression and loneliness for anyone, but for older people, it may feel like it is irreversible. So what can you do? First, don’t buy into the notion that it is too late. Reach out!
Look around and see who you can make contact with. Make a point to call each person once a week just to say hi. If some of those contacts have busy lives, arrange a time when they have a comfortable 15 minutes — not when they are trying to get homework done, dinner on the table or run out the door to work.
No matter how old you are, the Seattle Parks and Recreation department offers a wide range of activities that you might enjoy. Visit the website at www.seattle.gov/parks/seniors/index.htm or call (206) 684-4951 for more information.
Consider becoming a volunteer. Think about the interests you have and make some calls, or visit www.volunteermatch.org for local and virtual opportunities.
Another great place to create connections is within a spiritual community. If it is difficult or impossible for you to drive to services, call your place of worship and ask about transportation or recordings of the services. Some churches will deliver the service recording and then follow up with a visit or call.
Don’t forget education. If you are 60 or older, you can often get a tuition waiver to attend classes at local colleges on a space-available basis. It’s a great way to nourish your mind and get in contact with people you may not otherwise meet. You can provide a different perspective and act as a model of lifelong learning for younger students. Call the registrar’s office for more information.
Investigate living, support options
As you age, you may decide that you want to stay at home and use home-support services or you may find that a residential facility better suits your needs. Either way, investigate your options, make a few calls and take a tour or two to get a feel for what is available. In the Seattle area, Senior Services (www.seniorservices.org) offers ideas and opportunities for aging boomers and others.
Address big topics with loved ones
Have the important conversations you’ve been putting off. That will mean different things to different people, but one that is especially important is to share your plans and hopes for your later years and feelings about end-of-life decisions. Let the people who are significant in your life know what you want.
Get advice on finances, legal matters
Make a will and let someone you trust know where it is. Contact the King County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (206-267-7010) if you need assistance locating someone experienced in estate planning.
Find a financial advisor to help you plan for retirement. The earlier you start saving, the earlier you can start enjoying a little more leisure time. Think about long-term disability and care insurance — many of us underestimate the devastating effects of disability on finances.
Investigate Medicare
Get the basics on Medicare. Lots of information is available on-line at www.medicare.gov or by calling the Medicare helpline at (800) MEDICARE. Many health plans also offer free workshops.
MARLA BECK is the founder and president of Andelcare Inc., which provides in-home eldercare. She was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2012 Washington state Small Business Person of the Year. Submit questions by calling (206) 838-1844 or via e-mail to marla@andelcare.com.