There Are a Million Versions of Growing Old

“If you’ve seen one person at 80, you’ve seen one person at 80… There are a million different versions of growing old.” These are the words of 75-year old Dr. Bob Ross, who was featured in a recent New York Times article. Dr. Bob, a practitioner for almost 50 years in a small Minnesota town, has been aging alongside his patients and recognizes that there are many different versions of 80.

We are living in unprecedented times where the leading presidential candidates are 77 and 81. Yet, we all know people of the same age who ‘seem’ elderly, or who are in assisted living. There are indeed ‘a million different versions of growing old.” So how do you make sure that you are the best 80 you can be? Follow these tips:

• Care for your health. See your doctor regularly, get yearly blood work done, and don’t forget to have your hearing and vision checked as well. Seeing and hearing clearly will keep you feeling younger.
   
• Move your body. While no one (except maybe Jane Fonda) is expecting you to do high-intensity aerobics at 80, it is essential to keep moving throughout your life. Whether that is walking, hiking, playing Pickleball or gardening, keeping active is good for both your brain and your body.
   
• Stay socially connected. It’s very important for mental health to stay connected socially to other people — whether it is friends or family. Social interactions help keep you sharp and connected. Don’t know anyone? Consider volunteering in your community – it’s a great way to meet people.
   
• Keep learning. Keeping your brain healthy and active is as important as keeping your body that way. Read, do puzzles, and take classes to keep your brain stimulated. Also, check your local library for lectures, concerts, and events.
   
• Eat Right. What you put in your body is your fuel. Make sure to give yourself the ‘premium’ version by focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins — to keep your body running at its best.
   
• Get Your Estate in Order. Having an estate and disability plan in place will take a lot of worry off of your plate and allow you the peace of mind to enjoy your 80’s without concerns about the future. 

When you are ready for that last tip, we can help. As experienced and knowledgeable Elder Law attorneys, we can assist you in creating estate and disability plans that will allow you to be the best 80 you can be.  Please give us a call or email us! We would be happy to provide the legal advice you need to achieve your life goals.

The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available here are for general informational purposes only.