The Big Mistake

Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis

A wise man said, “The biggest mistake a person can make is thinking there is time.”  That seems a little abrupt, but honestly, no one is guaranteed more time.  Time to go on vacation, time to read, time to exercise, time to visit with friends, time to organize the photographs, time to clean out the attic---will the time come?  What does it take to create a sense of urgency?  Do you wait until your friend has passed away and then regret that you did not go to visit sooner?  Do you procrastinate getting to the gym until your joints are stiff?  Do you wait to clean out the attic until you can no longer safely do the steps?  My mantra for senior living is, “Do it now!”  If there is one thing I’ve learned, no one is expecting an emergency when it arises. I feel so strongly about this because I get calls from families saying mom or dad is in the hospital, and they have no idea what to do. 

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer. But a plan can be made, or at least talked about, to help prepare for what will eventually happen. 68% of the aging population will require some assistance with their activities of daily living. It only makes sense to plan for the possibility. Is your current living arrangement conducive to reduced mobility, and is it handicapped accessible? Will you want in-home care? Do you want to move into some type of senior living? You cannot wait for the emergency, or your options will be limited, and there is a good chance someone else will make them for you! You may delay, but time will not. Remember, “The biggest mistake a person can make is thinking there is time.

Don’t say, “There is still time.” or “Maybe next time.” because there is also, “It’s too late.” Anonymous