While most of us don’t need to be reminded that we are growing older, many of us need a gentle push to think about how aging affects our everyday life.
While most of us don’t need to be reminded that we are growing older, many of us need a gentle push to think about how aging affects our everyday life. In 2011, the first baby boomers reached 65 causing a surge in the number of older Americans, a trend that which will continue for the next 15 years.
It’s never too early to start thinking how aging will affect your life and the life of those you love. The good news is that living a full life is more likely today then any time in the past. Planning now for the future can help ensure that your retirement years are the best.
But what exactly does ‘planning for the future’ mean? It’s about thinking through options and finding the best solutions now to meet your needs tomorrow. Sometimes the questions are thought provoking – is your current house the best one to retire in? Sometimes they are more obvious – is it time to have grab bars put in the bathroom or a ramp installed over the front steps. And sometimes the questions are scary – is it time to give up the car?
The good news is there are a range of resources available. There are businesses and non-profit organizations that will work with you to come up with the best solutions to meet your individual needs whether it’s grab bars, stair rails, meal preparation or getting to doctor appointments.
While addressing changes to your physical environment is important as you age, it is just as important to maintain your social connections to friends and family.
Getting older need not mean losing touch with the important people in your life. There are social options through your local senior center including exercise classes, craft circles, dance lessons, table games and even day trips to local activities. And, yes, many offer bingo! Libraries can be another way to connect with others in your community. Besides books, movies, and music available for checkout many offer author talks, computer classes and book clubs. Volunteering can be a personally enriching and satisfying way
to stay connected.
Often what most people need is someone to listen and help come up with the best solution for them – helping to find the right service at the right time. Your local Senior Services organization is a valuable starting point. In Snohomish County the Aging and Disability Resource number is 800.422.2024.
Article Provided by:
Senior Services of Snohomish County
425-513-1900, 800-422-2024
http://www.sssc.org
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