A Tale of Two Lives

By Dave Neumaier

Senior liberation is not a political movement, but you definitely want to cast your vote. Independence requires a series of proactive decisions. Today's decisions can ensure a higher quality of life tomorrow and for years beyond. The choice is between a well-crafted life and a life by chance.

When genetics, environment, choices and chance are mixed together, we on average reach a lifespan into the upper 70s. However, if we tip the scales in our favor by crafting our choices and altering our direct environment, then genetics and chance become less restrictive.

My grandfather Jack McLachlan was critically ill in his youth, but he dedicated himself to maintaining a safe and healthy home environment and an optimal diet and exercise regimen. He lived to 99 on his own and to 105 with us as he read Prevention Magazine, solved crossword puzzles, laughed, sang and walked everyday.

Finding the right people shortens your path to better and longer living. This wonderful magazine is a great resource for finding those right people.

Here are a few people and professions I recommend

A financial planner will direct you in retirement, disability, long-term care and wealth management to help you avoid and resolve estate planning and elder law issues.

A “move” specialist optimizes all the details of transitioning and downsizing.

An aging in place professional will transform your home into one that is accessible and safe from falls, fire and other hazards.

Care providers can match the right home care person for each situation.

An attorney that handles estate planning and understands elder law.

A newer solution provider is a senior technology consultant who can assess the needs of seniors who want to stay at home. The technology can provide the right tools to be more secure, safe, well, connected and content. It could start with something simple like a small automation system that provides surveillance, keyless access and maybe a Skype TV to communicate with loved ones.

Fall prevention inserts, medicine dispensers and automatic fall tracking wristwatches might be the next step. Perhaps, a complete private platform of communication, activity assurance, connectedness, wellness tracking and cognition games are in store. Whatever your needs may be, crafting your future is the key.

Do not leave your life up to chance, but rather create your own team of the right professionals and you will surely craft a better life.