by guest author Harry Cline, founder, New Caregiver
If you’re an adult who is 65 or older, you may be looking forward to the slower pace that retirement has to offer. That’s one of the many reasons people refer to retirement as “the golden years.” But before you can start relaxing, you may need to address some concerns. Namely, you may need to come up with some solutions to keep from stressing about some of the most common sources of worry and tension for older Americans.
End-of-Life Concerns
As we get older, it’s only natural to think about the end of our lives with a greater sense of urgency. Rather than dwelling on any anxieties you may feel about your own end of life, however, you should try to take productive steps towards easing them. While it may sound counterintuitive, many seniors find that facing death by planning their own funerals can bring a greater sense of peace and contentment. You can use an online guide to get started with your own funeral planning but also keep in mind that your loved ones will need a way to pay for any associated expenses. An average funeral can cost $9,000 or more so it’s also a good idea to research life insurance as you create end-of-life plans so that your loved ones will not have to worry about coming up with the funds while they are also dealing with grief. There are many insurance options that seniors can choose from, so make sure you select a plan that will fit your needs and your budget. Finally, if you are still having a difficult time thinking about or planning for your own death, consider attending death cafes or speaking with a counselor.
Mental Health Issues
Regardless of age, mental health can be a source of stress for many people, but managing mental health can be especially challenging for older adults. If you’re concerned about your own emotional health, know that there are some steps you can take to improve your mental health and overall well-being. Practicing more mindfulness, through meditation and other practices, has been shown to be one of the most effective methods for remedying and managing mental health issues. From anxiety to depression to addiction, treatments that include mindfulness can be extremely helpful for seniors and other adults. By learning how to meditate and incorporate other positive habits into your everyday routine, you are essentially learning how to feel comfortable with your thoughts and your emotions. You can also learn how to assess those thoughts and feelings to avoid letting them exert control over your entire life. In addition to mindfulness, seniors who are concerned about mental health should also take other steps to improve their well-being, including learning more about chakras.
High Healthcare Costs
Saving enough for retirement is not the only concern many seniors have when it comes to finances. While ensuring that you have enough to cover your costs of living and to maintain your quality of life is important, the rising costs of healthcare can also be cause for concern as you get older. Even with Medicare, seniors can be stuck paying hundreds of thousands in out-of-pocket medical expenses during retirement, and those costs can go up with any injuries, illnesses, or chronic disease. While you can’t prevent yourself from having to shoulder all of these potential medical costs, you can make lifestyle changes to lower your risk for chronic illnesses and serious injuries.
If you are already practicing mindfulness, you could be taking a major step toward protecting your health and your wallet. Studies have shown that heart disease risks can be lowered by practicing mindful meditation, which reduces the chronic stress associated with heart disease and other chronic conditions. In addition to using meditation to reduce stress and disease risks, practicing other healthy habits can also keep your healthcare costs low in retirement, including getting regular exercise and eating healthy foods.
Don’t let stress get the best of you during retirement! Use your worries to develop constructive plans to reduce stress during your golden years. Then cast away what no longer serves you.