The Senior Scene

I want you to pause for a moment and think of that thing you needed or wanted to do in 2018 but you still haven’t gotten around to yet, and you keep putting off.

The idea or project is just sitting there, and the “unfinishedness” of it is weighing on you. But when it actually comes down to doing it, you seem to have lost all motivation.

So how do you recover motivation to do something you think you should do?

You can start by giving up this one word in 2019—and replacing it with something much more powerful.

Say goodbye to the s-word: Should. That one word can zap your motivation to do something faster than anything.

I’ve found that whenever I used the word “should,” I would procrastinate and avoid the activity or project I thought I “should’ do. That’s because the word “should” in the dictionary indicates a meaning of obligation or duty.

Notice how often you might say something similar to these: I should go work out. I should eat healthy. I should lose 10 pounds. I should get out of debt. I should clean that closet. I should learn how to …

Whatever it is for you, it might even be a necessary or good idea (organize a closet, clean out the car, take a class, plant a garden). But if you’re trying to force it, you either just won’t make the time or have the energy, or you’ll probably keep putting it off because you don’t enjoy it. Or it might be a good thing to do, but maybe not for you to do. Or maybe not at this time.

Now, for every “should” statement you say, ask yourself, Is this what I want? Or do you think you should do it because someone told you to or you feel under some obligation to do it? Sometimes our choices are influenced more about what others want than we want. Although they might all be great choices, until we personally own them for ourselves we will not be motivated to follow through.

So, the first step to healthy motivation in the new year is to examine your “shoulds” and get clear on what it is you want.

You can also clarify what it is you want so it matches the outcome you want to create (i.e., “I want to clean the closet so I can always find what I need.”)

Once we claim a choice for ourselves, we then can declare them with “I am” statements: I am working out. I am eating healthy. I am losing 10 pounds. I am debt-free. I am cleaning that closet. I am learning how to ….

An even higher vibration of belief is to act as if you have already accomplished it and imagine your success with these statements of gratitude: I am grateful I choose to workout. I am grateful I eat healthy. I am grateful I lost 10 pounds. I am grateful I’m debt-free . I am grateful I cleaned the closet. I am grateful I’ve learned  how to ….

This simple but powerful shift can make a world of difference. Remember, when you declare your intentions, you uplift your energy so it can support you with the motivation to do it when it is right and timely for you.

Carol Tuttle, who wrote this article, is a teacher, speaker and author in the field of personal development. More about her and her books is available at https://ct.liveyourtruth.com/.

Each year in the U.S., one in four people over 65 experiences a fall. It’s a common problem and can lead to a loss of independence, hospitalization, lack of confidence, and in some cases death. Avoiding falls in the first place is a vital aspect of living independently. Here’s how to prevent accidents in the home and make living independently a positive experience:

• Assess your living space. A few simple adjustments can mean the difference between falling and living independently safely. Is there a phone within easy reach? Are there rugs on a polished floor surface? How easy is it to get around your room? Is clutter posing a hazard? Do you need better lighting?
• Make your floors as safe as possible. Invest in anti-slip tiles for bathrooms and kitchens to avoid sliding on water spillages or polished surfaces. Make sure any rugs have anti-slip fixtures underneath to avoid slipping across the floor. Consider a contrasting color for steps and rails to make them easier to see. Since your feet spend so much time on the floor, make sure you have well-fitting shoes and slippers. Avoid flip-flops and flimsy footwear as these easily lead to trips and slips.
• Lighting equipped with sensors to come on when movement is detected is very helpful for stairs and bathrooms, or any room, really. Amber-colored night lights help you see at night.
• Having a handrail in all high-risk places, such as the shower or stairway, is an easy adjustment to prevent falls.
• Gardens are full of hazards, so make sure your green space is as safe as possible. Clear moss and old leaves from the paths to minimize the risk of slippery spaces. When its icy, make sure you lay some grit and have someone clear your paths. Avoid too many pots and ornaments, as they are easy to trip over. Install lighting so you can see in the dark. Remember that you don’t have to do all the work in the garden or house yourself; you can get help from others to do the heavier jobs, which lessens your risk of falling.
• Remove clutter from steps and floors. And avoid trailing wires when using electrical items.
• Keep things within reach. Don’t stretch or balance on step ladders to get things on high shelves or awkward places. Avoid carrying too much at one time, as this can set you off balance, resulting in a fall.
• Practice balance and posture. Join a Pilates/Yoga class or other exercise programs to help you maintain good balance, core strength and posture techniques. Give yourself time to adjust when moving from a sitting position. This helps you avoid dizziness from changes in blood pressure.

Taking these few easy steps to make your living space safer will help you avoid falls and stay independent for longer in your home.

Lisa Cini, who wrote this article, designs home interiors that improve quality of life for seniors. She’s the author of several books on the subject, including “The Future is Here: Senior Living Reimagined.”