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Planning For Your Future

We’ve spent our lives doing it. Doing what? Planning. We’ve planned our education. We’ve planned our careers. We’ve planned to buy that house, to raise a family, to take an overseas holiday when the children are settled into their own lives. Some of us have planned for a serene retirement. That is often where it stops! There is some travel, visiting friends, taking up those hobbies again, a lot of time with the grandchildren and then it all slows down. The next planning is the retirement village, a smaller house or living with the children and generally smelling the daffodils. Our whole life’s planning has taken us to this point, so what is left for YOU to plan? Think back to your worst decisions- they were probably made at short notice, possibly in a crisis and it is not a pattern that anyone would wish to repeat.

What is left to plan? Unfortunately, very few of us will enjoy excellent health for the rest of our lives and that is the area where a little forethought and preparation can add quality to those later years.

How to plan? It is relatively simple. Most of us will suffer a decline in health or ability at some time. Thanks to modern medicine may of these will be overcome.

Some will not and these are the ones that can be planned for. Assume the worst, that it will be an increasing problem over the next few years and that it will have to be addressed. Do not wait until the situation is critical and an urgent decision must be made. Seek advice now from a specialist healthcare equipment provider, such as AustralCare, about the available range of rehabilitation equipment or surgical appliances that are designed to ease the condition. Try them out, in consultation with the provider, and decide which one gives the most benefit and ensure that there is a size and fit to suit you. If it is mobility equipment, such as a walking frame, wheeled walker, wheelchair or electric scooter, ask for an obligation free home trial. This will ensure that it works at home – not just in the shop! Do not forget the carer if they are going to push it, lift or fit it! When the time comes, you will know what will best address your needs. You have had the time to obtain the best advice, try it out, and make the necessary financial provision. If the problem goes away, that will be wonderful. If it does not, you will be caught completely prepared!

An Active Mind in an Active Body
How many of us can do it? All of us! Not the running – the winning! What is winning? Winning is not giving in or sacrificing independence. There is, of course always a point at which it is advisable to bow to the inevitable, but it is surprising for how long a bit of determination can prolong an activity. Many hospitals and nursing homes now place great emphasis on gentle exercise and taking part in social events. They not only employ the services and skills of the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist (remember when she was the Basket Weave Lady and not today’s highly skilled professional who helps you maintain your independence?) but also Diversional Therapists to encourage interests and participation in social events and gentle exercise. The aim of all this is independence and it can be a do-it-yourself activity.

Books, crosswords, letters, cards, Chinese Chequers, draughts, chess, sketching and painting can all keep the mind active. Do not neglect physical exercise – the brain needs a healthy blood supply and the Doctor or Physiotherapist can recommend a suitable program of exercise to achieve and maintain fitness. (Do both - play the piano!).

What else can be done? Maintain your appearance. If you look smart, you will feel better.

Who Makes All this Stuff?
Industry exists by identifying needs, designing, testing and manufacturing products and selling them directly or through a distributor and/or retailers. Advancing age has always brought its share of reduced ability or disability and many large firms in Australia and overseas have specialised in this field. They spend a lot of time and money identifying each practical problem of advancing age and marketing aids to overcome it or, at least, reduce its impact on the quality of life.

The post-war baby boom and enhanced life-expectancy have made this an active and increasing market. New and improved products feature modern materials and technology.