Facing everyday life — what’s important?
Social Security? We pay into Social Security all of our working lives. When we reach our 60s we anticipate collecting the benefits promised to us. Some will collect income at 62 while others will not collect it until 66 or later. The full retirement age should be returned to 65. Millions of Americans will never collect a penny of Social Security. Imagine paying into Social Security most of your life but dying early and never collecting a cent. This happens to millions of Americans.
Medicare? We pay into Medicare for the majority of our lives, but will it be there for us when we need examinations and procedures? Or will the government make it harder for us to receive quality health care? Social Security is already telling us we will receive fewer benefits than we were promised because there isn’t enough money to pay us. Whose fault is this? The government has squandered trillions of dollars they took from us. Who will suffer from the wasteful actions of our government? You and me.
What about health? Your mortality doesn’t become much of a reality until you hit about 50-years-old. At 50 you know you are a half-century-old! The body begins to react to how we have treated it or to problems that we may have inherited from past generations. Colon polyps start showing up, the thyroid starts acting up, blood pressure, heart, diabetes and much more becomes a daily concern. Listen to your body. Go see your doctor and don’t be passive when your doctor tells you about health issues that you should address. Stay active. Focus on more vegetables, fruit,
baked or grilled chicken and fish and cut out the dessert. Sounds horrible, I know, but a friend of mine, at 97-years-old, says she focuses on vegetables and being active, and she is still doing great.
Money? Americans are working today longer than ever it seems. Many senior adults are working well into their 80s to keep food on the table or pay the rent. If you think you may be working into your 70s, consider preparing yourself for a job that you can physically and mentally do late in life. Underground coal mining may not be for you when you are 75. However, working out of your home two days a week as a plumber or carpenter might be enjoyable. A friend of mine downsized his insurance agency but still takes care of a few clients a few mornings a week from his home. Find something that you enjoy doing. If you enjoy it then it doesn’t feel so much like work.
Life is short. We are just passing through this world. Life is a gift. All in all, our most valued possessions are being at peace with our souls and our Creator, spending time with our family and friends and guarding our health.
