I recently spent a month living with my 94 year old parents, after being isolated from them for over two years due to the COVID pandemic. Here are some of the lessons I learned:

Fitness

• Stay physically and mentally active, fit and flexible to the greatest possible extent
• Get outside frequently. At least every day, ideally a lot more.
• Practice good hygiene and diet

Living situation

• Move into a social housing situation well before it’s too late (eg late 70s)
• Resist the urge to hoard – learn to let go
• Keep the world around you orderly. Chaos and clutter can form a vicious cycle.
• Develop systems for things that are increasingly hard

Self-management

• Create a repository for important information and keep it maintained
• Try to recognise and embrace your limitations, and develop workarounds for them
• Get help where you need it. You will need it. Plan ahead so you are ready when you need it.
• Follow the advice of your medical (and other) professionals. Don’t blow them off.
• Listen to your kids, and communicate clearly, openly, and honestly with them. Follow their collective advice. Assign powers of attorney that will make it easier for everyone.

Stay engaged

• Maintain old relationships and friendships
• Keep making new friends
• Keep learning new things
• Stay engaged with creative and purposeful activities

Keep positive

• Practice gratitude and optimism
• Don’t watch the TV news. At least not constantly. Choose appropriate and diverse information sources.
• Make time for play and playfulness
• Try not to sweat the small stuff.

And the bottom line

• Love yourself as a friend would love you, even if there aren’t many left. You are worthy of it.

❤️