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Written by Alberta Ellison
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Getting older does not necessarily mean one must be alone. As people age and move through life’s milestones, our needs continuously change. Children grow up, adults usually retire from life-long careers, and spouses may sicken and even die. Elders suddenly feel voids where they once felt safety and security. Where there was once purpose and goals, now there is doubt, fear and loneliness.
In recent studies of the US Census Population Profile, approximately 32% of women over the age of 55 become widowed. Comparatively, only approximately 9% of men are widowed by the same age. After pain and grief over such a loss lessens, are seniors expected to remain alone and lonely for the remainder of their years? No. Life can be exciting again; new purpose and goals may appear as individuals continuously move though this journey called life.
While it is true that many seniors no longer exhibit the need for sexual or physical closeness, humans never lose the need for companionship, friendship, and comfort. As we evolve, according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, our needs adapt as well. When we were young, helpless children, the basic needs of food and water were of primary importance. As we became young adults, the need for acceptance, finding a mate, and feeling purpose in careers and personal goal attainment followed a set pattern for our development. Then, what is the basic need for the seniors? The need to feel useful and productive remains at the top of the list, along with the satisfaction of life fulfillment and completion. |
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Happy Trails: Globetrotting Through Retirement |
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Written by Denise M. Clark
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You've certainly waited long enough to take that trip around the world, and you've certainly earned it. The only problem is, you're not thirty years old anymore, and things have changed. Your spirit may be young, but your joints ache, you're taking any number of medications, and despite your excitement, there's also that tingle of stress over taking such a long journey.
If you plan carefully and know what to expect ahead of time, you can decrease those concerns and have the time of your life, one that you deserve. By taking precautions and doing a little research ahead of time, you will find that traveling after retirement can be one of the greatest joys you've ever experienced. However, make it easier on yourself and your spouse, if you're not traveling alone.
To make the most of your trip, no matter where you're destined, there are a few things you should do before you shove off. First, visit your doctor and make sure you are up to date on any vaccinations. Ask about recommended vaccinations to other parts of the world several months prior to departure. You can contact your local Health Department for a list of recommended shots or vaccinations that will cover any global destination you have in mind. |
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Staying Connected with Friends and Family |
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Written by Alberta Ellison
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Everyone wants to stay active and healthy regardless of their age. Did you know that the more you stay involved in outside activities and spend time with your friends and family the happier and more content you will be?
We all need to feel “needed” and we are creatures that need companionship on a regular basis. It is not natural or healthy for us to be constantly alone but as we age we tend to isolate ourselves. We are always worried that we are butting into someone else’s time or that we are being a burden to others. This is the wrong way to view your interaction with friends and family and you should try to be more active when it comes to outside activities.
To ensure that you stay connected to your friends and family will take some effort on your part. You need to remember that while your schedule is open many others are juggling with work and family commitments.
Try to schedule regular visits or time with your friends. Some ways that you can do this might include planning a weekly visit with different friends to play cards, go to a movie or to lunch. If you have many friends this will allow you to go out several times during the week. You can even coordinate a book club where everyone gets together once a month to talk about your latest book.
Remaining a welcomed family member can take a bit of tact and diplomacy. You want to make sure that you are not spending too much time with family members because you do not want them to start ‘dreading’ your next visit So, try a few different ways to be more involved.
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