Bruce Nemovitz

Last month's article dealt with the question, 'what do you find most confusing aboutcurrent senior housing options?' The overwhelming concerns dealt with cost of housing and pricing issues. Doing your homework as early as possible and seeking out the help of the many professionals such as Certified Senior Advisors (CSA) and senior housing marketing directors lessoned the confusion when confronted with so many senior housing options. Take baby steps and gather all of the information pertaining to your particular situation. Help is out there. You just need to take the time and do your homework.

This month's article deals with the question, 'what are the most positive changes you see in the future?' This question was presented to over 700 seniors, ages 65-80 years of age. There were no choices of answers presented in my survey.

The four most prevalent answers were: health advances, disease control, medicaladvances, and prescription insurance. Miscellaneous answers were: transportation improvement, less government corruption, improvement of social morality and enough money to last the rest of your life! (Having enough money to last was followed by winning the lottery!)

I was not surprised to see that my senior respondent's leading answers to the positive, all involved health issues. No matter what age, we all want to feel good with quality of life. We work our whole lives to enjoy our retirement and spend our latter years doing the things we want to do, and do those activities pain free and disease free. With the advent of research science and medical breakthroughs every day, most of us feel optimistic about our physical future. We just hope these discoveries reach us in our lifetimes.

It makes sense to enjoy our lives now, no matter what age, as opposed to waiting for health issues to dictate our future. I see too many clients who have procrastinated with their decisions and have ended up in crisis management. I've worked with too many family members who come in frustrated and desperate when they become the decision makers for parents and friends who have waited too long to shape their lives when they were healthy. Optimism is a good thing. It gives us hope and shapes our dreams and desires for a better tomorrow. Optimism, combined with a realistic view of your personal situation, can make for a wonderful retirement and enjoyment of one's best years.

Health advances are a daily achievement especially in our wonderful country. It is realistic to expect a better future in regards to our bodies and minds. It makes good sense to take this assumption and use it to our best advantage. Creating a positive healthy environment is critical to a longer healthier life and lifestyle. Examine your current housing situation and promise yourself to better your situation both present and future. Stay active with friends, family and community. The busier you are, the more likely you are to be here when these advances come to your front door. There are so many studies that show a connection between staying active and good sound health, both mentally and physically. Visit your doctor regularly and take advantage of the technology available. Visit a senior financial planner who can help make the best use of your assets, especially when they must last a lifetime. Read magazines as to health issues. There are so many sources available to you. The YMCA offers many health directed classes, such as water aerobics, yoga, and exercise with weights and stationary bicycles. There are lectures at the local colleges to feed the mind and learn about subjects you've always wondered about.

Legislation is in the making as to prescription price controls. The future, I believe will address the issues of health insurance, as well as, prescription price controls. Politicians are hearing the public, especially seniors, as to the burden of health expenses. Stay involved with your local politicians and make your opinion known. Every call, fax and email can make a difference when it comes to your representatives in government.

There is much to be optimistic about in a fast moving society where change is constant. We all need to be concerned about our health, and together we will see many health advances in the very near future. It is up to each individual, to be our own advocate as to having access to those changes. Stay connected, read books, take classes and exercise whenever possible. Stay healthy and enjoy each day, as you've worked so hard to reap the rewards of your life's efforts!

Next month's article will address the question, 'What have you heard most often from your friends and relatives who have made the move to senior housing?'

By Bruce Nemovitz, Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist, Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce and his team can be reached at 262-242-6177 or email at: Bruce@BrucesTeam.com