In Jimmy Carter's book, 'The Virtues of Aging', he explores the satisfaction or dissatisfaction when we reach the age of retirement. In Carter's view, we are old 'when we think we are 'when we accept an attitude of dormancy, dependence on others, a substantial limitation on our physical and mental activity, and restrictions on the number of people with whom we interact.' His observation is that this is not tied closely to how many years we've lived.

 

We've all heard, 'attitude is everything'. It has come into my full understanding watching a man I know very well coping with more than one disease in an incredible fashion. This man was diagnosed with colon cancer which had spread to his liver. It metastasized to other areas including the lungs. He also has been challenged with Parkinson's' disease which was first diagnosed about 10 years ago. He also has an enlarged heart, not to mention severe arthritis. It is now 3 years after his initial cancer diagnosis!

 

This man has woken up each morning, even during chemo therapy and gone through the same rituals of shower, getting dressed, and going into the office to see what the day brings to him. He happens to also be a Realtor, and loves every minute of his profession. When in the office, he goes about his business trying to find the best home for his clients.

He has a close family, friends, and co-workers. None have heard any complaints about his physical condition! His number of years surviving these diseases goes well beyond the doctor's predictions. 'He is a walking miracle', said his oncologist.

 

I know that his attitude is everything. He said that his doctor knows his business, 'but he doesn't know me!' I agree. This man is an example of wanting the most out of life, and treating every day as a gift. He wakes up each day with a childlike excitement as to what the day will bring.

 

What does this have to do with real estate and the topics I've written about? Everything! I see far too many folks, some with medical challenges, and some in relatively good health, not enjoying their retirement, spending years in their homes in isolation. Fear many times paralyzes many of us. 'What if I move and don't like my new home?' I've heard this many times. 'How can I downsize with all of the `stuff' I've accumulated over the years?' 'What if my money runs out?' These are all understandable legitimate concerns. In most cases, we can't know the answers to all of our fears. But change in so many cases is the best avenue for so many, yet we go on in isolation, living in homes that no longer meet our needs. We could be so much happier, but would rather be 'safe and cautious' rather than experience a new lifestyle that would enhance our happiness and quality of life.

 

Take some time this holiday season to evaluate your life, and see if you are connecting with others, giving of yourself, and truly waking up with the excitement of the new day. We are all human, and some days will be tougher than others. But we can tip the scale of happy and fulfilling days towards the majority if we just treat every day as a gift. By the way, the man I spoke of earlier is my father whose 79 years young, and I am so fortunate having him as a role model for not only myself but my family and all that know him!

 

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