By Dr. John D. Eckrich, M.D.

A previous article, "Repositioning with a Purpose," has given you a baseline understanding of various changes that come with age. (Click here to read "Repositioning with a Purpose.")  It provides a few solid suggestions on how to preserve and enhance function. Now, I urge you to begin repositioning for the next season with a series of practical questions. Why not grab a pen or pencil and fill in some of the blanks for reference points:

What gives you joy?

What brings you energy or resilience; what renews you?

What speaks to your passions?

Given limited time or resources, what appears to you to be worth the effort?

What could be a legacy to give to your family?

What do you perceive God is calling you to do with your gifts, talents, and passions?

What are you adequately equipped to accomplish? Do you need more education, training, resources?

What would be something needed by your family or community that you have the unique ability to accomplish?

What will you have to sacrifice to make your new purpose a reality?

Are you happier being a leader or a follower? Do you want to work outside or inside? Are you physically functional enough to accomplish your vision? What do other people profess that you do very well?

Are you dealing with specific physical or cognitive challenges? If so, listing them may help clarify areas to explore for developing resilience; document below.

Consult pastors, social workers, or educational resources that have experience in gerontology. Attend seminars given by reputable resources (not just someone trying to sell you a financial package). What seminars or resources are being offered near you or via Internet?

Incorporate spiritual and altruistic concepts into your plan. List a few of these that come to mind:

Consult and keep your family and close friends involved in your decisions and activities to serve both as sustainer but also resources to help you keep to your goals. List some significant members of your support team:

Have accessory purposes to your hobbies. If you love golf, try to find opportunities to walk, not just ride in the cart. Choose brain-strengthening exercises like cards, memory-based, or problem-solving strategies. Write down a few examples that come to mind:

Get a good doctor and do it before you turn 65. Many physicians are not accepting new Medicare patients. List your healthcare providers:

You can find a list of all my current medications at:

Do you have a financial advisory team and attorneys? If so, please list:

My will and/or living trust is written certified or notarized, and can be found securely kept at:

I have a durable power of attorney for financial matters and it can be found at:

I have a durable power of attorney for healthcare and it can be found at:

I have written instructions regarding my wishes for artificially supplied respiration, hydration, and nutrition (often included in a durable power of attorney for healthcare), which can be found at:

I have my healthcare coverage for the next season in life in place. My primary health coverage is:

Secondary (Supplemental) coverage is:
ID #:

I have long-term care insurance through:

I have preplanned funeral arrangements and they can be found at:
 

I hope these questions provide a guide of worthwhile data points to form the basis of conversations with family, friends, and the good Lord regarding the “what’s next” that should follow the reading of this text. I believe those are valuable discussions to help you make wise decisions and satisfying choices. As one aging with you, let me offer you this blessing. Age with peace. Age with joy. Age gracefully. Age with renewed purpose. Mindfully steward your whole being. Serve and care for God’s people and God’s whole creation. Fear, love, and trust the Lord with your whole being, with your soul.

This activity was reprinted with permission from “Resilient Aging and Wellness: Mindful Stewardship of Body, Mind and Spirit into the Next Season of Living.”