The Look of Change

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

As Dr. Wayne Dyer so eloquently said, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”  Have you ever had a complete turnaround about a firmly held opinion?  Let’s say you previously thought that your new neighbor was unfriendly, aloof, and every time you saw him, he frowned and turned away.  Then you learned that your neighbor was facing a devastating battle with cancer.  When you understood the real issue, you suddenly had a total change of heart.  Now when you see your neighbor, he does not look unfriendly; he looks exhausted and fragile.  Nothing changed, but the way you were thinking!  Our thoughts are powerful motivators.  Is it a rainy, depressing day, or is it a relaxing day to curl up and read a book?  Just depends on how you look at it, right?  Things do not change, but our thoughts change, and that makes all the difference.

I can guarantee if you ask the average person in their 80s what they think of retirement living, they instantly think of a nursing home or old folks home. When Seniors have such a negative paradigm, no wonder they resist the thought. They already know they want nothing to do with it. I am a big believer that where you live as you grow older matters. Staying in your own home is not always the best idea. It takes an open mind and a willingness to look at living arrangements differently. Many senior communities are beautiful, with friendly staff members, great food, and facilities to provide an active lifestyle.  Keep an open mind about moving out of a home that is not conducive to an active lifestyle.  If you keep an open mind,  when you go for a tour, you may see it differently!