There seem to be two kinds
of people in the world, those who like to be waited on and those who are
fiercely independent. Which one are
you? Do you really want to be one of those
little old people in a care facility who has to be dressed every morning? Will it make you feel good to be patted on
the head and told how cute you are? Ah,
come on. It doesn’t have to be like
that, but it will be if you don’t sit up, take charge of your life and really
work on developing an independent spirit.
Care facilities are great
places to age in place, but keep in mind that the staff is very busy. It is easier for them to dress you than it is
for them to stand around and hand you things so that you can do it yourself. Don’t
let this happen! The entire staff will love you if you let them, and they will
help you and even do what they think is best for you. You need to know that
even if the word assisted or independent living or home is included in the
title, you will no longer experience independence as you now know it. It is up to you to decide if you are going to
let this happen or if you are going to fight to maintain your independence.
Some of the most creative
geniuses of our time did their best work after the age of 50 or 60 or 70 or
beyond which tells us it is not to late to try new things and be successful. You too can be one of those people to stand
up and show the world what old age is all about. You can tackle anything. You might not move as quickly as you used too
but that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and watch the world go by. People with a positive attitude and who feel
like they still have something to contribute are the ones who live long and
healthy lives.
Even if you have friends and
family nearby, you should fight for and work hard to stay as independent as
possible. It takes a great deal of self
determination and self sufficiency to do this.
Taking care of yourself (even if it means allowing physical and
occupational therapists teach you how) is paramount. Learn how to do things for yourself and enjoy
the feeling of accomplishment that it will give you. You may not be able to do things the same way
as you used to but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do them at all. Resist having other people do things for you
if with a little bit of effort you can do them yourself. Resilient people can take care of
themselves. This means being in charge
of your day-to-day life. Learn how to
enjoy your own company and practice problem solving on your own before asking
for help. If you do need to ask for help make sure that you are part of the
problem solving team.
I have just found this site! I am very appreciative. Thank you! I do not know who sponsors it, have not had time to check it all out but it is great and encouraging..
Posted by: constance shannon | November 29, 2009 at 09:25 PM