The Companion Advisor:
General Interest
Changing
Gears: Shift into a fun and a fulfilling future
Or Life after… (filling in the
blanks)
By Barbara Kennedy, President Changing Gears Inc. - Compassionate Transitions
for Seniors and their families.
A Companion Advisor article, March 2006
Engage all your gears for a better quality
of life…
Making positive changes in your life can be as easy as taking the time
to volunteer, becoming involved in hobbies or exercising on a regular
basis. As you enjoy your present life, you will also want to think about
future planning to help make decisions with the help of your children
and top professionals in your community.
Does the thought of shifting gears into an unfamiliar territory concern
you? Like backing up a car, there is only so much you can see and anticipate.
Wouldn’t it be so much easier if you only had to drive straight ahead
with clear visibility on all sides? If you knew what your options were
to improve your visibility, would you consider using them?
Open up your mind to remembering your high school years and all of the
possibilities ahead of you. Was there anything then that you loved to
do and have forgotten about it? This is the perfect time to find or rediscover
your passions.
The rewards of volunteering…
- You will be able to give of the most important asset you have
to offer, your time!
- Don’t know where to start? Consider volunteering for charitable
events that involve exercise and for a cause that you believe in.
- It’s also a great way to meet new friends.
Hobbies – for mind and body…
- Hobbies offer more than just fun since activities for your body
and mind are good for your health and connect you to other people
- You just have to supply the interest and time to reap the benefits.
- Hobbies can help us feel connected and make the transition from
working life to retirement smooth and enjoyable.
- Why not spend some time making yourself happy, by starting or
continuing a hobby that you enjoy?
- Remember…you can have more than one hobby!
Exercise for your body…
- Any physically active leisure pursuit has positive health benefits.
- If time alone is what you need most, going for a bike ride
or a walk are great ways of making a temporary escape.
- If solitude is the last thing you need you can find something
you can do with others—a walking club, a tennis club, a class at
the gym.
Exercise for your mind…
- Try stimulating activities like playing cards or board games.
- Do crossword puzzles, read or visit a museum or art gallery.
- These activities may minimize age-related memory loss.
The importance of future planning
In business, knowing what your options are is a stress reducer. Remember
that your family heritage is worth preserving!
- Plan for the future without losing sight of what is important
today.
- Be honest with yourself and with your family.
- Take advantage of family get-togethers to talk about everyone’s
changing needs.
Discussing plans
now has several major benefits…
- Ensures plans are carried out.
- Prevents family rifts.
- Creates peace of mind. Your adult children may have financial
worries that could be alleviated if they knew your plans.
- Do you not ever wish to go into a long term care facility and
wish to have all of the services you may need brought to you at home?
Tell your children. It’s important they know.
Recognize that you are dealing with a lot of emotions whether talking
to your parents or your children. Once the subject is out in the open,
future conversations will be easier. Realize that you don’t have
to talk about everything at once. Look for opportunities to bring up subjects
casually. It takes courage to face change, and knowing what your options
are is a huge relief.
We all take a lot of pleasure and time when planning our vacations. Why
not take your first step today in learning what your financial options
are while you still have time to improve on your choices?
What is Changing Gears?
- Changing Gears is a Canada-wide organization that works together with
family, friends, neighbours and the community to guide seniors and their
families through the many transitions ahead.
- Assisting clients by steering them in the right direction regarding
downsizing, planning for the future, and enjoying community activities.
- Our website, Changinggears.ca,
brings together all of your communities’ senior-friendly services
and products.
Barbara can be reached at email (info@changinggears.ca)
or by phone: 905.847.7047. www.Changinggears.ca
helps seniors and their families to discover a new world of possibilities.
The web site contains 21 categories and the content changes monthly. Visit
the site in the near future to enjoy all that life has to offer.
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, Fiscal Agents Money Management Newsletter
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