The tail end of the “Baby Boomer” generation is now coming of age. That age when one must start planning for the decline of life. It is all too easy to be in denial, to just ignore the aging process, but sooner or later it catches up to all of us. Some in this generation are starting to display health problems. Some will have physical, emotional or mental health concerns. Some might even require caregivers. Some people in the “Baby Boomer” generation are also experiencing the death of a parent.
The truth is, one cannot “fix” old age. The aging process is happening to all of us. The best most of us can hope for is that we are somehow more prepared or more informed on how to “manage” when it is our turn.
Somewhere in our 40s or 50s, it hits. There is a realization that if one is going to live a long and full life, one had better engage in a little self-preservation along the way. Suddenly the “Baby Boomer” generation is concerned with such things as health care and insurance, wills, setting healthy limits, letting go of what is not working, and finding better means of emotional, financial and physical support.
- For the normal aging process, one must try to plan ahead a little. Do what you can now to lay the foundation for your own “aging.”
Being in the “Baby Boomer” generation is not always easy. For the normal aging process, one must try to plan ahead a little. Do what you can now to lay the foundation for your own “aging.” Take some time to think about where you will live as you age. How will you get around physically? Decide if you might need some help with daily functions around the house, or the yard, or with transportation. Some aging persons need help with running errands or keeping track of their medications, or managing their money. These are all things the “Baby Boomer” generation needs to be thinking about.
A little prevention can be simple. As we all age we need to stay warm. Start planning now for adequate heat, shelter and clothing. The worst thing one can do while aging is sit or lie in bed too much. Make certain to include some form of exercise or a way to stay as physically active as possible.
For all those who are in the aging “Baby Boomer” generation, remember that there are many resources available. Community resources, nutrition information, meals, housing, counseling, medical supply information, clothing, transportation, education, and more. Reach out and make contact with all your aging resources. Try to remember that not all aging services are free. As one ages, one must also continue to save money and budget and plan financially.
Will you have enough money for your aging needs? What are your aging needs? Can you afford to pay for the services you want? Are you currently budgeting properly?
“Baby Boomers” — why wait? What are you waiting for? Begin now to find those important sources of help before you might actually need them. Start searching, make some phone calls, and take notes. Begin to develop a plan that will best serve all of your specific aging needs.
