Dream of Aging at Home & CPDF

Letter to Philippians: Being a baby boomer, the trending dream of “aging at home,” got me to thinking: What’s wrong with wanting to spend rest of one’s life in the comfy home? While it may be a big “IF”, why can’t it be a big “POSSIBLE” … IF planned for wisely?

The dream for many of course didn’t start with the WSJ article suggesting how more seniors these days want to remain in their cherished home, the one they fought so hard to build up & nurture over the years. Perhaps it was ironical that several aging friends had already mentioned to me the same desire out of the blue. The trinity of keys to making the dream come true, I thought at the time, was health, honesty & smarts. The WSJ had focused on how “contractors, remodelers are increasingly helping older Americans age in place.” A good accountant & lawyer to advise is part of the mix for many too. But, while all that 3^rd party help certainly is true, I and my wife are focusing on ourselves as well.

It goes without saying that one’s luck or ability in avoiding a catastrophic illness is the number one game changer to plan for. Adequate medical insurance & a decent built up nest egg, esp. to cover life’s unavoidable emergencies, is the first key to address by looking in the mirror. Likewise, developing an accurate picture of where you stand and are likely to stand into the foreseeable future, requires honestly assessing your physical as well as financial health. The “smarts” needed, I suspect, also includes a good dose of CPDF or “Commitment, Patience, Discipline and Faith.” Perhaps “Faith” is the biggest biggie, considering this Fourth Quarter journey is to be (re)started hand in hand with your Soul Mate & til you part … and, as always, with the Grace of God. By all means, then, consistently: Dream. Talk. Plan. Act.

Davd Soul